When it comes to infant sleep, few topics are more misunderstood—or more burdened by cultural myths—than the expectation that babies should “sleep through the night.” Pediatric sleep and development specialist and author of Rest Assured: The Heart and Science of Nurturing Baby Sleep, Louise Herbert, joins us to explain what’s really happening in a baby’s body and brain during sleep. Louise breaks down the biology of circadian rhythms, sleep pressure, and night wakings—clarifying when frequent waking is normal, what can sometimes underlie it, and why responsiveness and proximity are protective, not problematic. We also explore how stress and separation impact early brain development, why sleep training often overlooks fundamental physiology, and how parents can align their routines with their baby’s natural rhythms to improve sleep for everyone. This conversation replaces confusion and guilt with evidence and understanding, helping parents see night wakings as a feature of healthy development—not a flaw to fix. Mouthernourishnuture on Instagram Louise Herbert : Rest Assured ********** Send us a text Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription order DrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supply Primally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits : <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive content IG @downtobirthshow Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.
