Alyssa Veneklase
Sleep Consultant
Newborn Care Specialist
Postpartum Doula
Certified Sleep Consultant, Alyssa Veneklase, recognizes that sleep is the cornerstone of growth, recovery, and wellness. She has made teaching others how to do it peacefully her life’s work. As a Certified Infant & Child Sleep Consultant through Baby Sleep Consultant LTD, Alyssa loves watching parents go from absolute desperation (sleep deprived, depressed, relationships struggling) to pure joy once they are sleeping through the night again!
In 2015, with a heart full of passion, Alyssa left corporate America to pursue a career as a doula. She became a Certified Elite Postpartum & Infant Care Doula through ProDoula, a Newborn Care Specialist through Newborn Care Solutions Institute, and a graduate of Advanced Multiples Training with Mama’s Best Friend. With her extensive training regarding newborns and the parents they belong to, Alyssa is clearly focused on the highest level of education possible and providing the most credible, up-to-date care available.
Using humor and her unparalleled authentic voice, Alyssa offers guidance and reassurance. She says, “I’m there to cheer parents on and applaud them for working hard, and I love celebrating their parenting victories with them.”
Alyssa offers customized sleep solutions and sleep classes to families looking for help establishing a sleep routine for their child. Alyssa is a problem solver at her core and loves helping new parents set goals, find creative solutions to problems, and build strategies to reach the goals they set. Her experience with families as a postpartum doula enables an environment for her clients during sleep training that is exceptionally rare and referred to as “nothing short of amazing!”
Additionally, Alyssa is First Aid/CPR/AED Certified, a member of the Healthy Kent Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders Coalition, and a Mothership Certified Health Service Provider. Alyssa was the MomsBloom Health Professional of the year in 2018; a title she wears with great pride! Some other certifications and awards include:
- MI Dept. of Health & Human Services Infant Safe Sleep Certificate
- 2017 ATHENA Young Professional Finalist
- Voted #1 Postpartum Doula in Grand Rapids by GR Kids in 2018
- Voted Top 10 Postpartum Doula in Grand Rapids by GR Kids in 2019
- Voted Top 10 Postpartum Doula in Grand Rapids by Gr Kids in 2020
- Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Up Next Program Class of 2019
- safeTALK Suicide Awareness Helper
Alyssa has a bachelors degree in Management and an associates degree in liberal arts with a focus on photography. She blogs frequently and her writing has been featured on Parent.com and in First Time Parent Magazine. Her love for travel is matched by her husband and their daughter. In fact, since her daughter was 9 weeks old, the trio has traveled the world together! Alyssa and her family live in East Grand Rapids. When Alyssa is home, you can find her in the garden with her daughter, at a concert with her husband, working on a puzzle (in the winter!), or volunteering her time with young women in the community.
Alyssa is not currently accepting new sleep clients. She teaches classes at Gold Coast Doulas and is a licensed REALTOR® with her husband at Urban Soil Realty.
Testimonials
Gentle sleep training with Alyssa far exceeded our expectations. Our daughter was waking 11 or more times a night and only sleeping 45 mins during the day. Not only was our daughter not getting the sleep she needed to develop properly but mom and dad couldn’t get a babysitter and leave the house after bedtime. It was hard to even watch a movie together with the frequent wakings. Our initial sleep consult was so helpful in understanding a good sleeping environment right down to temperature, window treatments, and PJs. We got a sleep plan with instructions from there. Alyssa helped us along the way and was never far. After 2 days she was sleeping 12 hours straight and taking 2 good naps. We are able to put her in her crib awake now and dad can do bedtime. If she wakes up she puts herself right back to sleep. It’s an amazing change and it has changed our life. Would do over again in a heartbeat and recommend 1000 times over.
Alyssa was more than what we had hoped for! Our infant was waking every 1.5-2hrs for 8 months before I finally decided to schedule a consult. I was depressed, angry, and not putting my best foot forward. She helped us to figure out what was going on and how to gently sleep train him to sleep a full 12 hours each night. I have found peace within my heart again. I look forward to each day in our home. Alyssa was such a blessing in our lives!
This was so great and helpful. So happy to all be getting better sleep! Alyssa was very informative and quick to respond to questions. I am a Family Medicine Provider and will be referring my patients because I was so happy with this service!
My husband was not too interested in sleep training and thought we had a good routine already going. However after working on Alyssa’s sleep plan, he quickly appreciated the sleep schedule being more predictable. For me, I kept telling myself that with just a little more time our daughter would sleep through the night on her own. This was a game changer and looking back I know we wouldn’t have her sleeping through the night without sleep training! Alyssa was thorough and provided a ton of education, which was so helpful. She consistently provided insight and feedback throughout our time together and helped navigate the next step if our routine was off.
Sleep Consultations
Sleep training helped us understand our baby’s sleeping and eating needs. It was also a gift that we were all able to sleep more soundly!
Sleep Consultations
This class is a must. Alyssa is a fantastic and friendly teacher who made everyone in the room feel heard and comfortable. She covers very useful topics about bringing home baby, and helped me clarify what items are essential, what’s simply not worth spending the money on, what doesn’t work, tips and tricks, and shared high value resources. My husband and I are glad we attended!!
Lauren, Newborn Survival Class
Alyssa has such a calming nature and ease about her when dealing with sleep deprived parents! She helped us to feel supported and really listened to the sleep issues we were experiencing so that she could give the best options to help our baby, and us, get better sleep. We are so happy that we were able to work with her.
Katie & Andy , Sleep Consultation
My husband and I learned several tips/tricks that we had never heard of before even after taking a hospital childbirth/child care class that was 10+ hours long. It very helpful! Alyssa was very easy to follow and kept the class entertaining and interesting. I would recommend to anyone!
Tessa, Newborn Survival Class
I recently had the pleasure of taking Alyssa’s Newborn Class and she is a life saver!! I had taken a few classes through our hospital that had good information but Alyssa was able to put everything in a real life setting. I highly recommend her and her services, you will not regret it!
Erin , Newborn Survival Class
Alyssa was amazing. She was able to quickly start services after we requested help and was there every step of the way. I never felt judged and always felt supported. I felt like we were a “needy” family with all the questions and communication but she never hesitated in helping.
Megan & Adam, Sleep Consultation
Alyssa was great! I was home from the hospital with newborn twins and my 1 year old would not sleep through the night! She was waking 2-3 times a night. With Alyssa’s help over a weekend, I was able to get my daughter sleeping through the night and taking regular naps!
Stephanie, Sleep Consultation
My husband and I are first time parents, have read a lot of books, and have great support. We even took a birth class, but felt like we walked away with the most confidence after the newborn survival class. It was just so reassuring and validating.
Anna R., Newborn Survival Class
Alyssa was able to come to our home to teach the Newborn Survival class for us. She was so knowledgeable and explained things in such a way that helped us make sense of some of the questions we had about newborn care. She was so kind and affirming of our ability to care for our baby and left us feeling confident. She was extremely professional and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a newborn class. Thank you so much Alyssa!
Katie & Ron, Sleep Consultation
We were a little hesitant to work with a sleep consultant because we thought things were going “pretty well”. Our daughter sometimes slept through the night and other times was up 2-3x, so the inconsistency was wearing on us. Alyssa provided us with a plan and a ton of education we can reflect on as she grows! We felt she was close to falling asleep on her own, but her sleep patterns were not very consistent and we truly didn’t know how much sleep she actually needed. From day one, we were amazed by how quickly she fell asleep on her own. It wasn’t long before we were all sleeping more soundly at night. It was also helpful to have consistent nap times during the day so we now can plan our days off of work accordingly!
E. Stewart, Sleep Consultation
This class offered a thorough overview of what life would be like with a new baby and how to navigate it with success. We talked about everything from having the right attitude going into it, to sleep patterns and expectations, swaddling techniques, diaper strategies, breastfeeding, etc. Alyssa offered valuable perspectives and a practical approach to entering into the world of life with a newborn. I would highly recommend this course!
Newborn Survival Class
I had the pleasure of working with Alyssa after the birth of my 3rd child. She was an amazing resource to me when I struggled with breast feeding early on, and yet still remained a huge support to me when I made the difficult decision to bottle feed. She also helped me with some light housework and meal prep. Being a mother of three (ages 4 and under) was definitely an adjustment, but it was great to know I had Alyssa to call on!
Liz, Postpartum Support
Alyssa far exceeded our expectations. We received so much scepticism over trying to sleep train. But the proof is there. Alyssa’s nurturing disposition was profound.
Sleep Consultation
Alyssa did a great job of making the group feel comfortable to discuss topics and questions in her newborn survival class. The length of the class was great, in that it was informative and concise- perfect after a long work day!
Jessica, Newborn Survival Class
I am so grateful for Alyssa. We attended one of her newborn classes, which was very well put together and informative. We also had her over to our house for postpartum doula services. My husband was working out of town the first month our son was born and the extra help was wonderful, I even got to take a nap!
Heather , Newborn Class & Postpartum Support
Alyssa was hands down, amazing! She was so helpful and compassionate. I am so thankful for her serving heart.
Amber, Sleep Consultation
Before working with Alyssa we had no sort of schedule and my daughter would almost never nap anywhere other than my arms. With an almost two year old as well this was beyond difficult. We are now on a consistent nap and bedtime schedule and my three month old is consistently sleeping through the night. When she does wake she is usually able to self-soothe and go back to sleep. I would highly recommend this sleep training to any family with sleep struggles.
Laurel G., Sleep Consultation
Alyssa’s method was very gentle to ease my little one into a schedule. I felt like I was heard the whole time we were working together and never felt like I was being pressured into something that wouldn’t work for our family. Alyssa asked what our days looked like and helped to build the sleep schedule around that which was so very helpful. I was extremely nervous at first, but that feeling went away almost immediately after my phone call with Alyssa and the first day of working together. This was such a good experience. Alyssa was very supportive and patient.
Laurel G., Sleep Consultation
Having Alyssa in our home feels like an extension of family! From helping out with the baby, cleaning, organizing – she brings a sense of calm and relaxation to our home. Her help has allowed me the opportunity to take some time for self-care and strive for that balance that can be so difficult to find after having a baby. What a rarity to find that special person who is gifted at holding sacred space!
Shannon, Postpartum Support
As I approached the due date of my second child, I looked to Alyssa for resources and advice at every turn. I can’t say enough about how important her services are. Personally, the fatigue and emotional roller coaster of pregnancy, birth, and the weeks after threatened my ability to hold it together. Alyssa can sweep in and hold it together for you.
Jacalyn, Postpartum Support
Alyssa helped us survive the first few days home with our new baby. She was exactly what we needed at the time, and we needed to call a professional because we had illness in our home – Dad and one older sibling was sick. She was professional and helped ease our anxiety of caring for a new baby, a sick toddler, a sick father, and one more toddler!
Laura, Postpartum Support
Alyssa was so great to work with. I had 6 weeks of sleepless nights with my almost 3 year old. In 10 days she is sleeping through the night and so am I!
Shannon Fritz, D.O., Sleep Consultation
My husband and I found your Newborn Survival and Postpartum Planning Sessions very helpful, and we really appreciated the leave behind worksheets to look back on. I loved the portion going over common newborn health issues; it really stuck out in my mind. I hadn’t even thought of any of that, but feel it will be very useful! I also appreciated how organized and timely you were – it was great!
Theresa, Newborn Survival & Postpartum Planning Classes
Alyssa’s help with sleep training has been so gracious and healing.
Sleep Consultation
This class was so helpful and was a very good way for my husband and I to learn the same information and tips on caring for a newborn. Alyssa was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to make sure our questions were answered. We felt like we could ask her anything. We loved everything about this class!
Chelsea & Ben, Newborn Survival Class
I’ve never been a fan of the concept of sleep training. I think it has a bad reputation especially with nursing moms. But I can say that the service we received blew any expectations that I had out of the water. Alyssa is fantastic!
Sleep Consultation
Alyssa has an innate sense for what a new mom needs, and is a natural caregiver and self-described neat freak. She is wonderful with both my newborn and 3 year old. My house was in order and the baby was bathed before I even noticed she had started working! Hiring Alyssa during those first crazy weeks at home with a newborn is a great way to get some much needed rest or just take a little breather for yourself. Your babe will be in great hands!
Anissa, Postpartum Support
Alyssa created a soft landing and got me back on my feet. We moved from the west coast to Grand Rapids when our son was 4 months old and she helped connect me with community resources, local green options, getting our new home baby-proofed as well as some much needed naps. Alyssa is compassionate, organized, knowledgeable, encouraging, fun, creative and has gone above and beyond to help as breastfeeding and lactation challenges came up. We’ve been here for four months and she continues to be my go-to ‘village’ and when I need someone to look after my son – he loves her. I highly recommend her to any new mom.
Lisa , Postpartum Support
Let me start by saying stop waiting! Book Alyssa today! I can’t say enough about this process. Alyssa gave us the confidence and tools we needed to get our strong-willed, sleep disliking child sleeping soundly. Since our son was born he has always struggled to sleep well. For 19 months I was driving him around, or holding him to take a nap, and at night he was still taking a bottle to fall asleep, and waking multiple times throughout the night. We had developed more bad sleep habits than I’d ever dreamed. My only regret is not doing this sooner. Alyssa listened to all of our concerns and gave us just enough compassion and tough love to get us through this process. Alyssa was there for us every step of the way, and worked with us to stick to the plan, but also to tweak things to fit our families needs. I can’t thank Alyssa enough for giving me the confidence to help my son get the sleep he deserved. He is now taking naps in his crib, soothing himself to sleep and well on his way to sleeping all night every night! Thank you Gold Coast Doulas!
Sleep Consultation
We left feeling so much more prepared about day to day life with an infant. It helped to get validation and questions answered by an expert! My husband loved it too!
Newborn Survival Class
My husband & I are expecting our first baby. As 33 year old professionals, we prefer to know what we’re doing before we do it. This new chapter of unknown is exciting & nerve-wracking! So grateful a friend recommended this class. It was very practical -we took away valuable information about breastfeeding, caring for a new belly button, swaddling techniques, paced feeding, the monthly breakdown of milestones, growth & development, & especially the expectations for periods of time awake for a newborn. Great preparation for the little one. Common sense tips, and practical advice that will help us stay grounded. Huge shout out to Gold Coast Doulas for providing this! Excellent value! Joined from Wisconsin via Zoom!
Emily E., Newborn Survival Class
Really glad we debunked some of the info we’ve heard from our 60 year old moms. They have advice from the 90’s & we love & respect them for helping, but we appreciated getting concrete answers based in more recent data.
Newborn Survival Class
We are so grateful for Alyssa’s help. We feel so much more educated and confident. I was to the point of not being able to work my full time job because of the effects of sleep deprivation. Now I feel so much more equipped to move back into that. We are beyond thankful!
Sleep Consultation
Alyssa was amazing. She was able to quickly start services after we requested help and was there every step of the way. I never felt judged and always felt supported. I felt like we were a “needy” family with all the questions and communication but she never hesitated in helping.
Sleep Consultation
We are so happy with Alyssa’s gentle sleep training and nap schedule for our 3.5 month old. Within a week of putting him on the detailed schedule she provided, he was taking consistent naps in his bassinet all on his own, and now he loves to sleep! He still wakes up to feed once in the middle of the night, but no more rocking, humming, pacing around the house like a zombie–I couldn’t recommend her enough!
Sleep Consultation
We never sleep trained our now 3 year old son and I was a sleep zombie for over 2 years. With our second little guy, we knew there had to be a better way. Plus as a full time working mom, my anxiety was escalating during the night with the 3-5 wake-ups. I could not do it anymore. With a few very minor changes to our son’s sleep schedule and our routine, we have a 9 month old who is sleeping all the way through the night. Alyssa was so very gentle and accommodating to our desire to continue breastfeeding at night and to not let our little guy cry for long periods of time. Our son is so much happier during the day now that he is actually resting at night. This service saved my life. Thank you Alyssa and the Gold Coast team!
Sleep Consultation
Working with Alyssa has been empowering, actionable and most importantly, effective! We sought out her help when at 11 months old our daughter was still waking numerous times throughout the night. Alyssa listened to my sleep-deprived ramblings and offered a straightforward action plan with continuous support and a sense of humor. She was 100% professional, but made me feel like I had a friend helping every step of the way. I’m thrilled to say, everything she perceived and prescribed were right on the money. Naps and nights have become restful, and our waking hours are so much happier for all three of us!
Sleep Consultation
Our sleep training experience with Alyssa was fantastic. She gave us our sanity back. I felt like we had tried and tried to do it on our own, but it never clicked. The knowledge and guidance she provided was the missing piece. My husband and I have both said on multiple occasions deciding to hire Alyssa was the best decison we could have made. We can’t say thank you enough!
Sleep Consultation
Alyssa is the queen! We were fully supported and she cheered us on every step of the way. We were dreading sleep training, but she made it fun.
Chris, Sleep Consultation
Alyssa was so patient and encouraging. She answered my constant questions, and when I texted her multiple times that we were having a rough time, she knew exactly what to say to help us through the tough moments. She kept reminding us to be patient with Winston, as he had to learn how to sleep!
Sleep Consultation
If you are on the fence about spending the money for a sleep consultant like we were, just do it! It is so, so worth it! Alyssa was absolutely amazing, patient, gentle, supportive, and encouraging.
Sleep Consultation
My husband and I decided that if we have more kids we are calling Alyssa on the way to the hospital so she can begin working on our next sleep plan! We are sooooo thankful for her support with our son!
Sleep Consultation
Alyssa, thank you so much! Your consult has changed our lives. Such simple changes made great results. Our son is sleeping, we are sleeping, and everyone is happier and healthier in such a short time.
Sleep Consultation
We didn’t have any big expectations as we weren’t too sure what to expect, but we were absolutely thrilled with the experience. Alyssa’s methods were very gentle which was my biggest concern in sleep training. She allowed us to start with methods we were comfortable with and never pushed us to move faster than we were ready to. She helped us every step of the way and was always supportive, even when the sleep deprivation made it hard to stay positive at times.
Sleep Consultation