Why I created Pēpi & Parent (and what makes us different)

Hi, I’m Caylin - Mum to Claire, certified infant sleep consultant and founder of Pēpi & Parent, a new kind of sleep support service based in NZ (but actually worldwide because clients have come from Australia, Scotland, Japan & the USA recently too!).

I started Pēpi & Parent not just for the babies (although fricken love them particularly 9-10 months they need to STOP being that cute) but for the PARENTS. Because I lived the struggle of early parenthood, I found the transition to motherhood excruciatingly hard. Even with a Masters degree in Psychology, extensive experience in mental health and a solid understanding of infant development it rocked me.

And then came the sleep deprivation. In fact it came night one, where I left the hospital 12 hours after giving birth & was sent home with a brand new baby that I had no idea what to do with (and who screamed all night). I immediately downloaded a newborn video guide and forced my husband to watch it with me when Claire was 26 hours old. It told me to swaddle, sway and shush her (thanks but what a load of sh*t now I have a screaming baby and a bad back).

I found sleep advice available was often all-or-nothing, and rarely addressed the emotional toll that comes hand in hand with exhaustion. I wanted to create a space that met parents where they actually are - not where a textbook, society or well-child provider says they should be.

The Sleep Support Spectrum (and where we fit)

When it comes to sleep, most advice falls somewhere on a spectrum.

On one end, you have traditional sleep training (structured routine, strict method, a clear goal of independent sleep and often some variation of extinction based behavioural technique - think spaced soothing or CIO). On the other end of the spectrum you have a very holistic, often eastern-style approach (generally heavy on the co-sleeping, breast is best, “lean into it” mindset)

Both ends have value. But most families I work with don’t live on the extremes. And thats where Pēpi & Parent comes in.

I believe in taking evidence-based tools from across the spectrum - blending what science says about development with what feels right for you as a parent. Our role is to help you find an approach that respects your child’s needs, honours your instincts, and actually works in your real day-to-day life.

Because lets be real, none of it works, if it doesn’t work for YOU.

What makes Pēpi & Parent different?

Evidence-Based, Emotionally Aware

Sleep is never just sleep. It’s connection, regulation, mental health, family dynamics and developmental context. You won’t get a generic plan or prescriptive routine here - you’ll get thoughtful, flexible guidance backed by psychology, neuroscience and compassion.

We Dont “Fix” Babies

There’s nothing broken here. No matter WHAT it looks like. It is not a problem, if it is not a problem for you. If you’re contact napping or feeding to sleep - that’s not a problem, that’s a relationship. My support doesn’t ask you to leave your baby to cry or follow a rigid schedule. Instead we work together to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what sustainable change might look like for your family specifically.

Support That’s Accessible

One of my core values is inclusivity which is why Pēpi & Parent runs a “Buy Support, Provide Support” model. A portion of every high-ticket sleep service funds free or low-cost support for solo parents or those experiencing economic hardship. This has varied from parents who have lost employment during MAT leave, to those who have been simply referred to me via a thoughtful friend in my DM’s. Every parent deserves sleep and support, not just the well resourced ones.

Who I work with?

I support families from newborn to 12 years, including children with additional needs such as ADHD or ASD. Many of the families I work with are also navigating perinatal mental health challenges, and might be referred to me via a service such as a District Health Board or similar. Sometimes, it’s a friend of a friend of a friend who heard I helped (and it is those that speak our name in a quiet room that have given us endless opportunities to be here).

If you’re new here - Welcome!

Whether you are deep in the trenches of hourly wakes, or simply wondering if there is a gentler, feels better, smarter way forward - i’m SO glad you have found us!

If you are curious about working together you can start here on our services page. You can also join our mailing list for practical tips, honest conversations, and updates on new offers and resources (we also already have a bunch of freebies to download!)

Sleep support doesn’t have to feel extreme. You can find calm, connection AND rest without compromising your values.

Let’s figure it out together.

Warmly,
Caylin
Founder, Pēpi & Parent