Hi, I'm Marijke
I am a Dutchwoman who lives in Prague, Mom of two great sleepers, and a Certified Sleep Consultant. My mission is to help babies, young children, and fellow parents get a good (and full!) night's sleep. I provide my services in English and Dutch.
I use a holistic approach during sleep coaching to ensure that both the parent(s) and child will sleep successfully and happily. I analyze the baby's character, the family situation and the preferences of the parent(s) in order to determine the sleep method that fits best. I love working with gentle methods.
My goal is not only to help parents and babies who are struggling with their sleep, but also to help them prevent sleep deprivation and establish healthy sleep habits from day one.
Topics I Discuss
Gentle Methods
The art of sleeping can be taught in many ways and for some babies it is best to teach in a more gentle way. Gentle methods are just as successful as other methods, and I am very happy to teach your little one to sleep with this approach. I always look at the baby’s age, character and the preference of the parent(s) when choosing a sleep training method. It is very important to me that both the parent(s) and child are comfortable while going through this journey together.
Holistic Approach
Many aspects of life influence sleep, so I always look at the bigger picture and take a holistic approach. This means taking a thorough look at the details of your daily routines, feeds (breast feeds or formula), solids, sleep environment, daily activities and any other important aspects. Because I want to work on a long-term solution with you, a holistic approach will help us get there.
Newborn Sleep
Newborn babies and sleep is a topic that many new parents are worried about. Newborns up to 3 or 4 months sleep differently compared to older babies, because their inner system has not yet developed fully. I love coming up with specialized tips for each child to help make your little one sleep better and how to start creating those healthy sleep habits to take with you to the next stage of life.
Routines
Whether you prefer a strict schedule or a flexible routine, daily patterns are an important part of how your baby sleeps. At each age there is a different, optimal sleep routine, and I focus on tailoring this so it works for you and your baby. I keep your preferred wake up time in mind and work around nursery times or other commitments you might have to create a solution that fits well with your baby and your family.
Testimonials
Read what other parents say about Baby Sleep Coaching
5/5
Prior to working with Marijke I was struggling to put my 2.5 months baby girl “Ella” to sleep independently and for long naps, as she would wake up after 30min.
After using the gentle approach & the sleep method Marijke have advised finally I got to the stage where Ella is falling asleep independently and her nap time increased from 30min to an hour, and with time she started to be able to connect her sleep cycle.
Marijke takes a very personal approach and understand the need as a family along with the baby needs and try to make it work!
After using the gentle approach & the sleep method Marijke have advised finally I got to the stage where Ella is falling asleep independently and her nap time increased from 30min to an hour, and with time she started to be able to connect her sleep cycle.
Marijke takes a very personal approach and understand the need as a family along with the baby needs and try to make it work!
- Ramona
5/5
I just wanted to give you some more positive feedback. For the past week, Rosie has settled herself to sleep in her own bed without any shush pat at all. She still takes short naps but is sleeping around 11-12 hours at night. She is the best sleeper out of all her friends and the only one who can settle herself to sleep. Thank you so much again!
- Jessica
5/5
We started working with Marijke when our baby was 8 months old. Until then, he would wake up every few hours at night and only take very short naps during the day. He would also only fall asleep while nursing or being rocked to sleep. We were very tired after many months of sleepless nights and did not think that he would ever start sleeping through the night. Moreover, our baby was tired as well because he was not getting the amount of sleep that he needed, so we really needed some help.
Marijke made an extensive plan for us, which not only included a sleep training plan that was adapted to the habits and (strong) personality of our baby, but also offered advice on milk feeds, solids and sleep environment, which all influences sleep. She really made us feel heard and supported and gave us the confidence to start the sleep training process, which is something that we felt very unsure about as first time parents.
The plan worked really well for our baby. After the first day and night of sleep training, he would only wake up once at night to nurse, was able to fall asleep independently and started taking longer naps. Within one week of following Marijke's schedule, he also naturally started sleeping through the night for 12+ hours straight. It has been two months now and he is still doing so! We haven't felt so well rested in a long time.
Our baby still goes through phases where he struggles to sleep during the day because he prefers to be active and play, but Marijke gave us the tools to deal with this. We're very grateful for her help and would recommend her services to anyone!
Marijke made an extensive plan for us, which not only included a sleep training plan that was adapted to the habits and (strong) personality of our baby, but also offered advice on milk feeds, solids and sleep environment, which all influences sleep. She really made us feel heard and supported and gave us the confidence to start the sleep training process, which is something that we felt very unsure about as first time parents.
The plan worked really well for our baby. After the first day and night of sleep training, he would only wake up once at night to nurse, was able to fall asleep independently and started taking longer naps. Within one week of following Marijke's schedule, he also naturally started sleeping through the night for 12+ hours straight. It has been two months now and he is still doing so! We haven't felt so well rested in a long time.
Our baby still goes through phases where he struggles to sleep during the day because he prefers to be active and play, but Marijke gave us the tools to deal with this. We're very grateful for her help and would recommend her services to anyone!
- Lisanne
5/5
Marijke made us feel so much more prepared for our new arrival. Sleep (or lack thereof) is so daunting as a first time parent. We are now armed with so much information, and Marijke gave very thorough, thoughtful advice.
- Grace
5/5
Marijke gave us really helpful pointers for out little one. She was always happy to help and her advice worked like a charm.
- Mark
5/5
On our first discussion with Marijke, I told her if my son would fall asleep independently, she would have supernatural powers.
Prior to working with Marijke, Leonard would sleep max 2 hours straight during the night and 45 min during the day. He would be very difficult to put to sleep - he would fall asleep only while nursing in my arms or in the carrier, and he would wake often when moved to his bed. We didn’t have any evenings, the nights were terrible, and Leonard was constantly tired during the day. I had already read a lot about sleep training, the pros and cons, and tried a few techniques, but nothing seemed to work. Marjke was my last resort.
I couldn't have been more grateful for the sleep training, it was gentle and truly life-changing! Marijke kept me motivated, and pushed me to get results that I would have never dreamed of beforehand. Today, not only is my son falling asleep independently, he is also a much happier baby during the day. What’s more, my husband got his bed back and I can finally sleep!
Prior to working with Marijke, Leonard would sleep max 2 hours straight during the night and 45 min during the day. He would be very difficult to put to sleep - he would fall asleep only while nursing in my arms or in the carrier, and he would wake often when moved to his bed. We didn’t have any evenings, the nights were terrible, and Leonard was constantly tired during the day. I had already read a lot about sleep training, the pros and cons, and tried a few techniques, but nothing seemed to work. Marjke was my last resort.
I couldn't have been more grateful for the sleep training, it was gentle and truly life-changing! Marijke kept me motivated, and pushed me to get results that I would have never dreamed of beforehand. Today, not only is my son falling asleep independently, he is also a much happier baby during the day. What’s more, my husband got his bed back and I can finally sleep!
- Emilia
5/5
Marijke really took the time to look at our personal situation and lifestyle. Her focus was not only on our two children, but also on us. She made sure we were feeling comfortable with the schedules and methods at all times. We’ve learned a lot, not only about sleep, but also about food, hormones and behaviour.
Our oldest still really loves the method we used to help her and our youngest sleeps through the night, instead of waking up every hour after midnight.
Marijke is really easy to reach and answers any question as soon as possible. And now we have two happy, well rested kids (and parents ;)).
Our oldest still really loves the method we used to help her and our youngest sleeps through the night, instead of waking up every hour after midnight.
Marijke is really easy to reach and answers any question as soon as possible. And now we have two happy, well rested kids (and parents ;)).
- Barthelijne
5/5
I had been pacifying Emily with my breast to sleep since she was born. Obviously she grown overly attached and refused to let me go. When she started solids, she was diagnosed with eczema and food allergies. At first, I had given up hope as there is not a chance our 11 month baby can ever be sleep coached. Nevertheless, after following Marijke's game plan we saw positive improvement within 3 days! The first time she slept independently for 10 hours through the night we were overjoyed. Marijke is really patient and supportive. She took the time to understand the needs of both parents and child to ensure the solution is feasible. This not just a 2 weeks or 3 months hype. I definitely recommend her to all mamas out there.
- Yin
5/5
We started working together on my baby's sleep when my baby was only 4 months old. It was a bit challenging in the beginning and it was great to have Marijke's support full time. Marijke always made sure that I was comfortable with the approach used and adapted the sleep routine to my baby's needs. Her positive attitude and encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to push through the crying and focus on the bigger picture - a baby that can sleep without much help from me. A month after we started, and by using Marijke's helpful tips, I can already see much improvement in my baby's sleep schedule. Now, getting the baby to sleep is a breeze compared to what it was thanks to Marijke.
- Ida
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