Sleep Training Courses vs. Custom Sleep Consulting: Which Do You Need?

It’s late, you’re googling “how to get baby to sleep”, and you’re drowning in options. “This is the real haze of motherhood,” says Kristin Revere, newborn care specialist, certified doula, and founder of Gold Coast Doulas. “The truth is, sleep deprivation is a major driver of mental illness.”

 

There are $300 courses promising miracle sleep in three days. Then there are consultants with price tags that make you wonder if it’s worth it. And then, there’s you—exhausted, overwhelmed, and just wanting everyone to please sleep already.

Let’s talk about it. Both sleep training courses and custom consulting can absolutely work. But they’re not the same thing. And knowing the difference? That could save you money, time, and possibly your sanity.

We’re breaking down what each option really offers (not just what the marketing says), the honest pros and cons, and how to figure out which one your family actually needs. Spoiler alert: there’s no shame in either choice!

What Are Sleep Training Courses?

Think of sleep training courses as the semi-DIY approach to better sleep. You buy the course, get instant access to videos and downloads, and implement everything yourself. It’s like having a sleep expert’s brain downloaded into your own files—minus the ability to ask them questions at midnight if things go sideways.

Most sleep courses include pre-recorded video modules you can watch whenever you like, downloadable guides and schedules, sample sleep logs, and sometimes access to a community forum. You watch, you learn, you implement.

Pros of sleep training courses

• You can start immediately. No waiting for appointment slots or initial consultations. Having a rough night? You can purchase and start watching videos ASAP.
• Budget-friendly option. Most courses are priced very reasonably, typically between $50 and $300. (Psst: We have an expert-led virtual sleep class that’s only $50 and includes handouts and videos you can watch anytime!)
• Work at your own pace. Pause when the baby cries, rewatch that confusing part seventeen times, and take three weeks to implement new practices if you need to. No pressure.
• Great for typical sleep challenges. If your baby’s main issue is fighting naps or waking up early, courses often nail these common problems with proven strategies.
• Privacy and independence. Some parents prefer not having someone else involved in their family’s sleep situation. Courses let you handle everything yourself.
• Reusable resource. Having another baby? Need a refresher? You can go back and dive into the course again.

Cons of sleep training courses

• One-size-fits-all approach. Your baby with reflux, your neighbor’s perfect sleeper, and your sister’s restless twins all get the same advice. Sometimes that’s not helpful.
• No personalized troubleshooting. If a technique makes your baby scream louder instead of settling, you’re on your own to figure out why. (Luckily, this virtual Tired As A Mother class includes a live call with a sleep consultant to answer questions and talk through specific scenarios.)
• Information overload. Some courses throw everything at you at once. It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re sleep-deprived.
• No accountability. It’s pretty easy to give up when a real, live sleep expert isn’t checking in on you.
• Can’t address complex situations. Medical issues, multiple kids, postpartum mood disorders, unusual work schedules—courses rarely cover the complicated stuff.

What Is Custom Sleep Consulting?

Custom sleep consulting is like having a sleep fairy godmother. You work one-on-one with a certified sleep consultant who learns about your specific baby, your family’s needs, and your comfort level with different approaches. They create a personalized plan and—this is the key part—they stick around to help you actually implement it.

So instead of a manual for babies, you get a guide written specifically for your little one. The consultant becomes your sleep detective, figuring out why your baby thinks 4 AM is party time and what to do about it.

Pros of custom sleep consulting

• Completely personalized approach. “My sleep consultations are customized and change based on each family,” says Kristin Revere. Your sleep consultant factors in everything from your baby’s temperament to your work schedule to that weird thing where baby only sleeps if the fan is on medium speed.
• Real-time adjustments. Plan A didn’t work? Your consultant has plans B through Z ready to go, adjusting based on what’s really happening.
• Emotional support and accountability. Someone to talk to when you want to give up, someone who reminds you why you’re doing this when things get hard.
• Handles complex situations. Reflux, developmental delays, anxiety, multiple kids, shift work—a good consultant has strategies for all of it.
• Faster results. With expert guidance and troubleshooting, families often see improvement more quickly than going it alone.

Cons of custom sleep consulting

• Higher investment. Let’s not sugarcoat it, consulting costs more than a course. Sometimes significantly more.
• Requires scheduling. You’ll need to coordinate calls or visits, which can feel like one more thing on your already full plate.
• Not all consultants are equal. Finding the right fit matters, and a mismatch can be frustrating when you’re already exhausted.
• Temporary support. Unlike a course you can rewatch, consulting support has more of a hard end date.

Sleep Training Courses vs. Custom Sleep Consulting: What’s Right For You

So, how do you choose? Get really honest about where you’re at right now.

Consider a sleep course if: Your baby is generally predictable, you’re confident implementing strategies solo, you have time to troubleshoot, your budget is tight, and you’re dealing with more common sleep issues. Basically, you just need a roadmap, and you’re good at driving yourself.

Consider custom sleep consulting if: Your baby has more unique issues affecting sleep, you’ve already tried everything (including a course or two), you’re dealing with postpartum anxiety or depression, you have multiple kids with competing needs, or you’re just DONE and need someone to take charge.

 

Some families start with a sleep course and add consulting when things get tricky. That’s totally fine! Others dive straight into consulting because they know themselves well enough to know they need maximum support. Also fine.

Our team at Gold Coast Doulas has seen families succeed with both approaches. Our certified sleep consultants work with families who’ve tried courses first and families who come straight to us. Every family is different, every baby is unique, and every parent has different needs. Whether you’re in West Michigan or connecting with us virtually, we’ll meet you where you’re at.

“Sleep is critical to your mental wellness as a new parent. Sleep helps increase breastmilk production and boosts your immunity,” Kristin shares. “For your baby, sleep is critical for brain development, emotional regulation, and physical growth.” Simply put, sleep is important for everyone. And making it a priority—however that looks—just makes sense.

 

Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is a certified birth and postpartum doula and the founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also the co-host of Ask the Doulas Podcast and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.