When Marian Murphy was nicknamed “the Sleep Doctor” by her friends, she realised her true calling. Having worked as a nanny and maternity nurse in Ireland and Europe, she was on speed-dial for pals whose babies refused to sleep, and for the past four years her phone has been hopping with calls from other distraught parents around Ireland.
Murphy’s method is based on the relationship between parents and child. She says most modern parents have read about parenting, but often problems arise with sleeping because parents try things and don’t stick with them.
She starts with a detailed sleep questionnaire and a telephone discussion with the parents. Once she has established their needs, she comes to the house and stays for a number of hours while the parents try to put the child to sleep. The parents then follow her advice each night and have daily phone or text support for three weeks.
Sorcha and Neal Collins from Dublin called her when their year-old baby Réiltín refused to move from the parental bed. “When Marian first came, it took us 45 minutes to get Réiltín to sleep,” says Sorcha. “I sat on a chair near to the door but didn’t leave the room until she slept. The next night she went into her cot. She didn’t cry and went to sleep.” Sorcha now enjoys a decent night’s sleep.
“Marian taught us to make Réiltín’s room the centre of the pre-bedtime routine. Previously we played and did the story on our bed. In hindsight I can see now why she didn’t want to leave and go into her own cot. With Marian’s method, we stay in the room until she is asleep but we don’t play or talk. Now, although we are not playing any games, our presence seems to reassure her and off she goes to sleep.”
Based in Portlaoise, Murphy travels the country. Contact her on 085-7148133 or email sleepwellireland@gmail.com. She charges €400 for the consultation and does not work with children under six months.
