A Consideration of Maternal Developmental Needs in the Treatment of Infant Sleep Problems

Parents often seek help because of difficulties their infants have transitioning to and maintaining sleep. Sleep problems almost inevitably adversely impact parental sleep which can affect the parent’s psychological state and the parent–infant relationship. This paper examines interventions for infant sleep problems within a context that includes recognition of maternal developmental needs. Clinical case material of mothers in different stages of adult development illustrates ways in which maternal developmental needs both influenced their children’s sleep patterns that became problematic and the resolution of those sleep difficulties. An approach to infant sleep problems that encompasses the mother’s developmental stage can broaden our understanding of mothers’ reactions to their infants’ sleep and be used to inform treatment. Developing sleep recommendations for infants and toddlers within a context that focuses on the developmental needs of both mother and child has the potential for improving sleep and promoting more positive parent–child relationships.