Looking for gentle sleep solutions that honor attachment?
Don’t involve cry it out? Better sleep is within reach-I'd love to help you get there.
I’m Makayla Villaneda
founder of Shepherd and Sheep Sleep.
I am a mother, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach on a mission to help families just like yours experience the sleep transformation I had myself. When I had my first daughter, I knew that limited sleep came with the newborn experience and felt prepared to take it in stride. I had no idea the rollercoaster of sleep deprivation we would go on that would last almost a year. I thought our situation was unfixable, but knew I could not sustain this exhausting cycle of wakings.
Sleep Coaching Services
Little Lambs Package
While formal sleep training cannot begin until after 5-6 months of age, the Little Lambs package can help set your newborn up for sleep success from the very start. This package includes detailed information on sleep science, gentle sleep shaping for infants, how to promote healthy sleep associations and tailor your sleep environment for success.
What's Included:
60-minute video call which includes an assessment of child's history, sleep habits, and sleep environment.
Education on infant sleep science, how development can impact sleep, tips for safe sleep and gently shaping sleep success.
Sleeping Sheep Package
Suited for babies or children 5 months to 6 years, this package provides detailed assessment of your child's history, curates a personalized gentle sleep plan for your family, and provides support and follow up along the way.
What's Included:
Detailed assessment of child's history, schedule, and sleep challenges collected and reviewed in advance
1.5 hour video consultation discussing history, schedule, and personalized sleep plan suited to your family
Up to 7 15 minute support calls throughout coaching process
Daily review of sleep logs via email
Rested Flock
Suited for babies or children 5 months to 6 years this comprehensive sleep package provides a consultation reviewing your child's history, schedule and sleep challenges in depth, creating a personalized sleep plan curated for your family's unique situation and needs, and provides follow up support throughout the coaching process.
What's Included:
Detailed assessment of child's history, schedule, and sleep challenges collected and reviewed in advance
1.5 hour video consultation discussing history, schedule, and personalized sleep plan suited to your family
Up to 8 15-30 minute support calls throughout the coaching process -daily review of sleep logs via email
1 30 minute wrap up call to review your sleep success, answer any final questions, and solidify your sleep success moving forward
1 60 minute problem solving strategy call available to use if needed after completion of sleep coaching available to use within 6 months of wrap up call
My Baby Sleep Coach Philosophy
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My Baby Sleep Coach Philosophy
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mom of an 8 month old
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mom of an 8 month old
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mom of an 8 month old
Download your free chapter of the
"Good Night, Sleep Tight Workbook" by Kim West.
Get in Touch
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages of children do you work with?
I work with babies and young children, helping families navigate common sleep challenges from infancy through the toddler years. As a mum of two young children myself, I understand firsthand how exhausting sleep struggles can be and how important healthy sleep is for the whole family.
What is your sleep-coaching philosophy?
My philosophy is based on creating healthy sleep habits through consistency, routine, and gentle techniques that suit both the child and the family. I believe every family deserves support without judgment, and that small changes can make a huge difference in helping everyone get the rest they need.
We’re breastfeeding, room-sharing or co-sleeping — will you still work with us?
Absolutely. Every family is different, and I work with your parenting choices and comfort levels. My goal is to help you create sustainable sleep habits in a way that feels realistic and manageable for your family.
How quickly will we begin to see improvement?
Every child is unique, but many families start noticing improvements within the first few days of implementing consistent routines and techniques. With patience and support, positive long-term changes often happen within a few weeks.
What happens if we have a disruption — travel, illness, developmental leap?
Sleep disruptions are completely normal and something every family experiences. Travel, teething, illness, and developmental milestones can temporarily affect sleep. I’ll help guide you through these bumps in the road and support you in getting back on track as smoothly as possible.
What’s included in a coaching package with you?
My coaching packages include an in-depth assessment of your child’s sleep habits, a personalized sleep plan tailored to your family’s needs, and ongoing support to guide you through the process. I’ll be there to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and encourage you every step of the way.
Will you judge how we’ve been doing sleep so far?
Never. I know exactly how overwhelming and exhausting sleep deprivation can feel because I’ve been there myself. Trying to balance work, home life, parenting, and exhaustion can leave families feeling frustrated and stressed. My role is to support and guide you with compassion, not judgment.
My toddler wakes frequently but only briefly — can you help?
Yes. Even short but frequent wakings can have a big impact on both your child’s rest and your own sleep quality. Together, we’ll identify what may be contributing to the wakings and create a plan to help your toddler sleep more soundly.
Is your approach evidence-based and safe for development?
Yes. My approach focuses on gentle, age-appropriate sleep support that encourages healthy sleep habits while respecting your child’s emotional needs and development. I believe children can learn healthy sleep skills in a supportive and loving environment.
How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. We’ll begin with a consultation where we discuss your child’s sleep challenges, current routines, and your goals as a family. From there, I’ll create a personalized sleep plan and support you step-by-step toward calmer nights and more restful sleep for everyone.
