Gentle Sleep Education
Birth and Postpartum Doula Services
Lactation Support Hello! I'm Aidan. I’m a mother of two, and I’ve been where you are.
This parenting gig is hard, and we weren’t meant to do it alone. Whether you are pregnant and overwhelmed by this new life change, seeking support and guidance postpartum, or sleep deprived and looking for gentle and effective strategies, I’m here for you. As a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Educator and Infant Sleep Educator, it is my privilege and passion to support you in each stage of your parenting journey. Rosy Dreamers proudly serves Sarnia, Lambton and surrounding areas both in person and virtually. We offer gentle, effective, and holistic sleep strategies worldwide.
10/01/2025
The past two years have been busy and full of impactful learning about mental health. I am thrilled to share that I am now a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. My placement at in Sarnia has allowed me to work with a diverse range of clients and presenting concerns. My goal is to offer inclusive, integrative, and empathetic support to my clients, pulling on strategies and concepts from IFS, CBT, DBT, and attachment.
Working under an experienced psychologist means my clients have access to Dr South’s expertise, including psychological diagnoses if desired. Work with me and benefit from a special discounted rate, with direct billing to most insurance companies.
While my future practice will focus on perinatal mental health and parenting, I am ready to support clients from all walks of life.
DM me or call the office to book your intake!
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09/27/2023
It can seem incredibly discouraging when it seems like the kids of your neighbour, bff and Nancy at the drop in all sleep 12 hours a night and nap no problem.
You hear their stories and end up feeling defeated, wondering what you did wrong and why your baby has such a sleep “problem”.
But the majority of the time, we are only hearing half the story, we have different interpretations of what makes a good night’s sleep, or people we meet are straight up lying.
Your definition of sleeping through the night (going to bed and not needing parental intervention until morning) might be different than Nancy’s (baby wakes 2-3 times a night to feed but they bedshare so it is barely noticeable).
Your neighbour might have had a stretch of really good sleep with their little one and humble bragged a bit too much, and now that things are hard again, they are too embarrassed (or tired!) to talk about it.
Your BFF might have a different approach to sleep than you and rather than get into a debate about it, will simply tell you everything is fine to avoid the subject.
When you dig a little deeper you will see that sleep and how we perceive it when it comes to our children is based on a complex mixture of cultural/societal expectations, personal values and parenting philosophy.
When you work with me, I will help you set and meet goals that align with your own sleep philosophy, up to date research on infant and children sleep and fine tune strategies that work for YOUR child.
It is hard not to compare your little one to others. Remember there is no one size fits all approach to sleep. You do not owe anyone an explanation for how your child sleeps (or doesn’t sleep). And if you need personalized, drama free and holistic help, I am here.
Have you ever elaborated on how your child does (or doesn’t!) sleep? Let me know below ⬇️
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09/23/2023
I am heading back to school!
I have been accepted into Yorkville’s Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology program and begin in January.
The increase in postpartum mood disorders in my clients and community has been staggering since the pandemic. My focus as a therapist will be continuing to support parents and their families as they navigate this transformative time in their lives. I am thrilled to be integrating counselling into my sleep and doula practice to fully provide the care my clients need.
Sarnia is an incredible city with lots of people doing amazing things to serve families, but the reality is that we are missing many resources that new families require. In collaboration with , we will be opening The Radiant Community Centre for families downtown at 179 Christina St.
One of our main priorities will be facilitating peer support groups for postpartum wellness and eventually I will be offering 1:1 counselling once I complete my masters.
Through losing my dad and my own struggles with postpartum/generalized anxiety, therapy has been an outlet that has led me down a journey of healing and self actualization. I hope to remove the barriers and stigma that surrounds counselling, helping others to live more empowered lives.
Many thanks to the people who have supported me on this endeavour including .sissons.doula , , and of course for not even hesitating when I decided to start a 3 year school program in my late thirties. Now…. Off to complete an OSAP application!
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08/09/2023
We need your help bringing a much needed space for parents and reproductive folx to come together: to find support, validation, resources and community.
Introducing:
THE RADIANT COMMUNITY CENTRE
in Sarnia, Ontario
and I have had many talks about how a place like this is missing in Sarnia.
As parents ourselves we know how lonely conceiving, birthing and raising humans can be. We wanted to create a space in Sarnia where people could access services no matter where they are in their journey. Sarnia is a wonderful place to raise a family but it is in need of inclusive, friendly and affordable support and camaraderie for parents.
At The Radiant Community Centre we will offer lactation cafes, infant and toddler sleep meet ups, drop ins for children of all ages and abilities and more. All programming will be created and decided with direct feedback from the community.
We will welcome all at the Radiant Community Centre, and we need your support to make this dream a reality for Sarnia-Lambton.
This is going to be a passion project for us, and neither one of us can afford to open the space without the generosity of donors. We have a space tentatively lined up for September and we need to raise 13k to be able to do it.
Every little bit helps, and if you cannot afford to contribute financially please share this post and the GoFundme! Together we can help make those navigating reproduction and parenting feel less alone in our city.
The link is in my bio!!
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07/12/2023
The jury is out on whether swaddles should be used for sleep, but everyone can agree that once your baby is showing signs of rolling, it’s gotta go. For lots of parents this means long a&$ bedtime routines, multiple wake ups and a baby who will simply not sleep in their crib or bassinet.
In my latest blog post I talk about signs your baby might be ready to transition from a swaddle, how to prepare your little one for transitioning out of the swaddle and tips to make it WAY easier on you!
If you are a new or expectant parent looking for ideas on getting your swaddle obsessed baby sleeping arms free, click on the link in my bio!
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07/10/2023
Bringing home a new baby and navigating those sleepless nights is a big transition for the entire family. Sleep deprived nights, meet your match! With our new night doula services, you will benefit from:
➡️uninterrupted rest
➡️support with feeding (we will either bottle feed your baby or bring them to you for feedings and re-settle them so you can get your sleep!)
➡️soothing, burping, diaper changes - we handle all of the night time tasks so that you can be the best parent possible during the day
➡️expert guidance (all of our doulas are trained, have their vulnerable sector check and infant CPR)
Night doula services are right for you if:
➡️you are exhausted, overwhelmed and need sleep!
➡️you are recovering from childbirth and need some extra help at night
➡️you have limited support overnight or your partner is returning to shift work
➡️you are dealing with a postpartum mood disorder and need to prioritize your sleep
➡️your baby has specific needs such as reflux, colic or other medical diagnoses
➡️you need one night, multiple nights or multiple months of support
Want to learn more? Check out the link in our bio to our website for FAQ’s and support options.
Did you use a night doula? Could you have benefited from this type of support? Share your experiences below!
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06/21/2023
On Sunday, June 18th Javi ( aka )lost their mother after a long fought illness. Javi’s mother was their main source of support, both personally and in their business. Her death has left a big hole in Javi’s life, but we can help. Because of the nature of Javi’s work as a doula and community advocate, they do not have access to bereavement leave. Javi needs our support to help them take the time to grieve their mother and support their son through this loss. Our help will ensure their community work and business will not be affected financially. Any monetary support will go toward covering Javi’s basic needs, including childcare/summer camp for their son. Taking the financial burden off Javi’s shoulders will allow them to focus on healing and will help them return to the invaluable services they provide for families in Sarnia-Lambton and elsewhere. If you can help financially, please consider sending an e-transfer to javi@theradiantdoula.ca Support can also be given through gift cards for grocery/delivery or whatever else feels helpful to you.
06/08/2023
This week has been a busy one with our youngest turning one. He gave me the best gift he could this last month when he started consistently sleeping through the night (with zero sleep training or cry it out!) He had a great birthday even if he was super grossed out by chocolate cake and was gagging from the taste. This from the kid who can crush almost a half rack of ribs if we let him.
I am continuing to support sleep clients and gearing up for some exciting new plans on how I can better help parents both here in and virtually. Stay tuned for some exciting new announcements!!!
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05/17/2023
When I had my first, I was exhausted and overwhelmed and posted on Facebook looking for help. Instead what I got were what I assume were well intentioned messages saying to “enjoy every moment” and “they are only little once”.
When I needed help, all I got was mom guilt.
Looking back now as a mom of 3, and that first baby is now a spunky 7 year old, I do agree that they grow up fast. And that in many ways I miss her little baby self.
But I am here to tell you, loud and clear:
It is okay to not love every moment.
It is ok if you are:
Physically overstimulated and intellectually under stimulated.
Wishing you were out with friends at 11pm instead of in bed feeding your baby.
Wanting to exercise and move your body but having zero energy or motivation to do so.
Constantly with your baby but lonely.
You can feel all these things while still loving your child and your family. It doesn’t make you less of a parent to miss your old life or not enjoy every moment. It makes you human.
So as your children grow and you see other parents struggling. Instead of telling them to enjoy every moment, offer to bring them a tea/coffee, send them an encouraging text, invite them out for a walk and connect with them. These little acts of kindness are the things that will truly bring them back to enjoying and loving the moment.
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05/10/2023
Do you have a baby who struggles to fall asleep with other people?
The vast majority of dads and partners that I work with really WANT to be able to put their baby to sleep, but the mom/primary caregiver seems to be the only one who can do it.
In the first few months of life, babies will fall asleep on pretty much anyone. After the 4th trimester, they have formed their primary attachment figure, and this is usually the birthing parent or the person who most consistently responds to their needs.
At the same time, their circadian rhythm develops, their sensory barrier shifts, and they become more in tune with their environment. This is why it is really important to get your partner involved with putting your baby to sleep right from the newborn stage.
The development of the secondary attachment figure (usually the partner or dad) begins to form between 7-12 months. Once your child is a toddler they will likely still have a preference for you, but will go to sleep more easily for your partner.
In the meantime, consider:
➡️If feeding to sleep is your primary way of putting your child to bed, ensure a good feed happens about 45 minutes before the intended bedtime
➡️ Before turning out the lights to put your baby to sleep, choose 2-3 soothing activities (ex. Song, saying goodnight to objects in room, cuddle) and have your partner take the lead
➡️Your partner can rock, walk with, baby wear or whatever your way baby responds to best. The thing here is that they may have a completely different way of putting your baby to sleep but they need to have the space and the opportunity to do so
➡️Resist the urge to take over if your baby cries. There is a huge difference between a baby crying alone and a baby crying in the arms of a comforting caregiver
➡️Consider leaving the house and taking a walk while your partner is putting the your baby to sleep
Did these tips help? What worked for your partner to put your baby to sleep?
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04/18/2023
“My baby will only sleep on me.”
“Every time I put my baby down in their bassinet, they wake up right away.”
“I’m worried I’m causing bad habits by holding my baby all the time.”
Sound familiar?
Supporting a baby to fall asleep in their bassinet does not come naturally for most parents. This is because babies are biologically hardwired to seek proximity to their caregivers. The warmth of a parents arms is 1000 times more inviting than a flat and still mattress.
But it is impossible to hold our babies for all sleep, so how do we help them fall asleep (and stay asleep!) in their bassinet? Check out my latest blog post where we will chat through my top tips to help transition your baby to their sleep space AND why your baby your baby’s resistance to the bassinet is NORMAL.
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Rosy Dreamers Sleep and Doula Services:
My name is Aidan Black-Allen and I am a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula and Infant Sleep Educator. I love babies and children and have worked with families for the past ten years as a teacher. I believe that every family is entitled to feel supported throughout their pregnancy, childbirth and parenting journey. We are told on the daily about what not to do when it comes to our children. But what we are rarely given is up to date and evidence based information so that we can make the best decisions that fit our families. Whether you are pregnant or years into this parenting thing, only you and your co-parent are the experts on your children.
As your Birth Doula I will be the confident guide to help you through the emotional highs and lows and to assist you physically with a variety of comfort measures. I will literally support your weight on my shoulders through the entire process. Through my own birth experience and the many births I have attended I know the true value of the calming presence and unwavering support a Doula provides. I considerate it my calling and my honour to be by your side during this crazy time in your life.
Infant and Toddler Sleep is full of “what not to do’s”. As your Infant Sleep Educator, I will help you shut out the noise of all the people/websites/books that make you think you are doing something ‘wrong’ by responding to your baby at night or naps. I will help you learn ways to parent your baby to sleep that are respectful of their needs as well as YOURS and find a middle ground that does not interfere with the attachment relationship. I will help you show your baby that sleep is a positive state to enter into and a time that both of you deserve to look forward to, and not dread.
About Rosy Dreamers:
Rosy Dreamers offers Prenatal, Birth, Postpartum Doula and Infant/Toddler Sleep services.
Through education and nurturing, Rosy Dreamers strives to find humor and balance in all stages of the parenting journey, with an open mind to each family’s unique needs.
Our vision is a world where families feel supported and connected in their communities. We dream of birth without fear or guilt. Empowered parents, thriving children, endless potential.
