Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Eppley.
Hi Katie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In the fall of 2022, I found myself at a turning point. I had been working in education as an elementary school teacher for 7 years, but I was completely burnt out and knew I needed a change. It was a scary and uncertain time because while I felt confident that I needed to leave the classroom, I didn’t yet know what was next for me. I spent some time nannying for a family, which kept me connected to working with children while I figured out my next step.
In 2023, everything shifted when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Abby. She was born in September 2023, and while it was such a joyful time , I also faced an unexpected challenge—I experienced severe postpartum anxiety and depression. This was very unlike me, as I’ve always been a naturally happy and bubbly person. What made it even more difficult was the lack of sleep, which significantly intensified what I was going through.
During that time, I became deeply interested in pediatric sleep. I wanted to understand everything I could about how babies sleep and how to support healthy sleep habits. As I started implementing what I was learning with my own daughter, things began to change. When she started sleeping better, I started sleeping better—and that made a profound difference in my mental health. I finally began to feel like myself again, alongside the support of my doctor and therapist.
That experience sparked something in me. In March 2024, I became certified through the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting as a pediatric sleep consultant and a year later became a CNSS (Certified Newborn Sleep Specialist) as well. A few months later, I launched my business, Cuddlebug Sleep Consulting.
I created my business to be a supportive, judgment-free resource for exhausted parents who truly need sleep. I know firsthand how overwhelming sleep deprivation can feel, and how vulnerable parents are during that stage. My approach is rooted in meeting families where they are, providing guidance that feels aligned with their comfort level, and supporting them every step of the way. While sleep training can push parents outside of their comfort zone, I focus on responsive, personalized methods—I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, so I create Individualized Sleep Plans for each child. I use many different methods to help children meet their sleep goals, but do not use the extinction method, also known as”Cry It Out”.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful to turn one of the most challenging seasons of my life into something meaningful—helping other families get the rest they need and deserve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say mostly it has been a smooth road! However, there definitely have been some bumps along the way. Some of the bigger bumps in the road…
1. Having my second baby, Calvin, who is now 6 months old. This is a HUGE blessing and we love him so much, he’s adorable! However, for my business, it definitely is now harder to juggle a baby, toddler and a business. I used to set my work schedule around nap times and bedtimes, so I do a lot of my work in the morning, during naps and at night. Now that I nap trained him and got his naps to line up with my daughters it’s helped! This is when I do lots of my consultations, emails, and even sometimes workshops. This, along with capping my clients to 4 per month, helps me find the balance between work and life!
2. Marketing. I had now background in business or marketing. Although I am very confident in my ability to help families get their babies to sleep, it was challenging in the beginning to know how to get my name out there, build referrals and what to spend money on. After two years, I am starting to get it, but it still is challenging!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cuddlebug Sleep Consulting, LLC?
I am a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and a CNSS (Certified Newborn Sleep Specialist). I work with expecting and newborn families, babies and toddlers and children up to age 6. I specialize in pediatric sleep education, sleep training and helping newborn parents set a solid sleep foundation during the newborn phase.
There are a few things that set me apart from others…
1) ME! Okay, I am a humble person, trust me! However, when it comes to working on a baby’s sleep, you need someone who will keep you on track, support you, and be there for you to celebrate the wins and get you through the lows. THAT’S ME! I would say about 90% of what I do is support parents through the sleep training process because it’s HARD. The other 10% is running workshops for sleep education, creating sleep plans, etc. You need someone you can trust, that’s on your team and that you feel comfortable with. One of the best compliments I ever received from a family was that I was truly made to be a sleep consultant because of how amazing I was throughout every part of sleep training. That meant the world to me!
2) My approach. Most importantly, I don’t judge, You co-sleep? Okay. You want to room share? Fine. I don’t force sleep training on anyone. Sleep Training is a wonderful tool to have in your tool box that I have seen help countless families. However, I don’t think it’s for everyone. When I chat with you, I point you in the right direction and give you my honest opinions, whether or not that means sleep training or not.
Secondly, I don’t believe in the “Cry it Out” method, also known as the extinction method. I use other more responsive methods to get your child to meet their sleep goals.
Thirdly, I believe every child is different so their sleep plan should be too. There’s no one size fits all approach with sleep, so I create individualized sleep plans and coach you through what’s best for your family and child.
3) My offerings. I offer 1-on1 sleep packages, sleep workshops and months of newborn support to help lay a solid sleep foundation. No matter what you’re looking for, I have the help you need!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you can build a successful business and be a present mom—but only when you stop trying to do both perfectly! I still am nowhere near perfect, but I’ve become much better at juggling both simultaneously and finding the right balance.
Pricing:
- Discovery Calls – Free
- Virtual Sleep Workshops – $35
- Sleep Training Package – $695
- Newborn Invigorated Parents Package – $1,495
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cuddlebugsleep.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuddlebugsleep/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Cuddlebug-Sleep-Consulting-61559382032043/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-eppley-b78a17309/
