Children and families struggling with sleep deprivation can seek help through a consultancy set up by a local entrepreneur.

Rachel Thomas, 38, director of Sleep Like A Baby, lives in Llantwit Major and was on maternity leave from her position as an NHS occupational therapist when she decided to set up the business.

"I realised, especially with Covid and so many people being at home with less support than usual, that sleep deprivation is very isolating and can have a huge impact on a child's mental health and a family as a whole," said Rachel.

"That's where my passion has come from, wanting to help and support people with sleep deprivation in any way I can."

Sleep Like A Baby offers parents and guardians a choice of two packages. The first is a 'Problem solving, one-off session' package where Rachel will send out a questionnaire and set up a 60-minute phone or video call to chat about how to tackle sleepless nights.

The second is a 'Full support' package, which includes a 90-minute video or phone consultation following an assessment filled out by the parent or guardian. This allows Rachel to speak with the parents or guardians about any issues and to write a bespoke plan for the family to follow.

"It could include things like a nap schedule, bedtime routine, developmental stages, what to do if the child wakes up in the night, what the parent or guardian should do to get children to sleep, and it's completely based on the individual," said Rachel.

Support through email and telephone is also available for two weeks with the 'Full support' package. "I offer follow-up support as well, so people can email and call me. It's really important to offer reassurance to give families the confidence to do what they need to do.

"They [families] like to have that contact afterwards – they're already stressed, tired and it's nice for them to have contact with someone outside of their circle."

Rachel works with newborn babies and children up to four years old and previously worked with families on sleep deprivation in her NHS role for more than ten years. "A lot of what I do is about routine and the impact of sleep deprivation on the mind and body," said Rachel.

"The impact on a wider family is huge. It's so stressful on other siblings, it can take its toll on relationships, and people have different views on what they should do about getting children to sleep."

During the month of March, Rachel will donate £5 for every package purchased to Mothers Matter, a charity that supports women and families with pre and post-natal support.

Rachel is also running sleep workshops at Pathway to Parenthood in Cardiff and the next one is scheduled for April.

Click here to find out more about Sleep Like A Baby and start your journey with Rachel.

You can also follow Sleep Like A Baby's Instagram page.