Secrets of a Night Nanny pulls back the curtain on what really happens when the lights go out. Hosted by Infant Sleep Specialists Melenie Duval and Amanda Koenig, we share raw stories from the trenches, safe sleep truths, and practical tips to help your whole family rest. From New York to Hawaii, Beverly Hills to Bozeman, we’ve supported families everywhere—and now we’re bringing you humor, honesty, and expertise for the postpartum journey.
Partners in the Night — How Couples Stay Connected Through the Postpartum Shift
In this episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re diving into one of the most tender and overlooked parts of newborn life: how couples can stay connected when they’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and awake at opposite hours. With Amanda out this week, I’m joined by a special guest—Tabitha, our Lead Night Nanny and mentor for the Bozeman and Billings teams. Together, we bring decades of combined experience supporting families through their hardest and most heart-stretching nights.
We talk honestly about what sleep deprivation does to a relationship, the patterns we see most often in homes at 2 a.m., and the small shifts that help partners support each other instead of drifting apart. From communication breakdowns to tender moments of teamwork, this episode is full of real insight and encouragement for couples in the thick of it.
If you and your partner are navigating newborn nights—or preparing for them—this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and far from alone.
You bring the monitor — we’ll bring the stories.
10 Nov 2025
Sleep Myths That Won’t Die — From "Just Give Formula Before Bed” to “Don’t Rock the Baby"
There’s no shortage of sleep advice out there—and some of it just refuses to fade away.
In this episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re breaking down the most common myths we still hear from exhausted parents, well-meaning relatives, and the internet at large.
We’ll talk about why giving a bottle of formula before bed won’t magically make your baby sleep longer, why strict newborn schedules rarely work, what “sleep shaping” really means, and why rocking or holding your baby isn’t a bad habit—it’s connection.
We’re separating fact from folklore so you can tune out the noise and focus on what actually helps your baby (and you) rest easier.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
31 Oct 2025
The Night We Knew the House Was Haunted — A True Story from the Night Shift
We love old homes—their history, their architecture, their stories. But this one… had a story of its own.
For 4½ months, we worked seven nights a week caring for a newborn in a beautiful historic home. At first, everything felt normal. Until it didn’t.
A child’s voice crying out when everyone was asleep. Footsteps through the dining room at 3 a.m. Cupboards opening on their own. A phone that flew off the ottoman. An eerie nursery closet that never stayed closed. And across the street, a man that appeared in the same window—night after night.
We always look for reasonable explanations. This isn't Ghost Adventures after all. But some things? We just couldn’t explain away.
In this Halloween special of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re sharing the true story of the house that left us questioning everything we thought we knew about night shifts, intuition, and what might linger after dark.
You bring the monitor… we’ll bring the ghosts.
20 Oct 2025
Feeding and Sleep-The Chicken or The Egg?
Is your baby waking because they’re hungry… or are they hungry because they’re overtired? 🤔 In this week’s episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re unpacking the delicate balance between feeding and sleep—and how one always impacts the other.
We'll hear from Amanda, our resident expert on how feeding struggles affect sleep, and one of our senior night nannies, Brooke, where they will separate fact from fiction and talk about the real reasons babies wake at night. From cluster feeding and comfort nursing to reflux, tongue ties, and feeding schedules, we’re breaking it all down with compassion, science, and a little humor.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or doing a bit of both, this episode will help you understand your baby’s needs—and maybe even get a little more rest.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
13 Oct 2025
Traveling with Tiny Humans — Real Tips for Rest on the Go
Traveling with a baby can feel like an extreme sport. Between packing all the “just-in-case” gear, managing naps in new time zones, and trying to keep a semblance of routine, it’s no wonder so many parents arrive home needing a vacation from their vacation.
In this episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re talking about what really happens when babies hit the road—or the skies. From hotel sleep setups to managing travel fatigue, we share how to make travel less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family. We’ll also walk through how we help families adjust sleep routines while traveling and share a few memorable travel moments that prove flexibility and humor go a long way.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your baby (and yourself) rested away from home, this episode is your packing-list essential.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
6 Oct 2025
Hiring Help at Night — What to Know Before You Bring Someone Into Your Home
Inviting someone into your home to care for your baby overnight can feel both exciting and intimidating. In this episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re talking honestly about what it’s like to hire nighttime help—what to look for, what to ask, and how to find the right fit for your family.
With over 55 years of combined experience, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to building trust, creating routines, and setting realistic expectations. We’ll share how to spot red flags, understand credentials, and make sure your baby—and your whole family—feels supported.
Whether you’re a first-time parent searching for your first night nanny or a seasoned mom wanting to know what “luxury newborn care” really means, this episode will help you feel confident and informed before you hire.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
29 Sept 2025
Safe Sleep Isn't Scary - Making the Guidelines Work for Real Families
Safe sleep can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we break down what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends for infant safe sleep (read the guidelines here) and why they matter. We also look at the numbers—according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 3,500 infants in the U.S. die each year from sleep-related causes, including SIDS and accidental suffocation (learn more here).
We’ll talk about why babies resist back sleeping, how families can help them adjust, and practical, judgment-free ways to set up a safe sleep space that works in real life. Our goal? To empower you with clear information and reassuring tips so safe sleep feels realistic—not terrifying.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
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22 Sept 2025
The 4 Month Sleep Progression - Why it's Not a Failure, it's a Milestone!
The dreaded 4-month sleep regression: it’s the moment almost every parent fears. One day your baby seems to be sleeping longer stretches, and the next—they’re up every 45 minutes, and you’re wondering what went wrong. In this episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we break down what’s really happening during this stage, why it’s not your fault, and why it’s actually an important developmental milestone.
We’ll talk through the science behind changing sleep cycles, the myths that make this stage feel even harder, and the practical steps parents can take to get through it with less stress. Most importantly, we’ll reassure you that this is not a setback—it’s a sign of progress.
If you’re in the thick of sleepless nights, or just want to prepare for what’s ahead, this episode is your guide to understanding and surviving the 4-month sleep regression.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
15 Sept 2025
Welcome to the Night Shift!
In our very first episode of Secrets of a Night Nanny, we’re pulling back the curtain on our journey—how we got here, why this work matters, and what you can expect from the season ahead. With over 55 years of combined experience in nighttime newborn care and infant sleep shaping, we’ve supported families from Bozeman to Palm Beach, from Cabo to New York—and now we’re bringing those insights straight to you.
We’ll share who this podcast is for, why we believe parents and professionals alike deserve honest, safe, and nonjudgmental information, and what we bring to the table as longtime sleep specialists.
Think of this as your official welcome to our night shift—where we’ll mix expertise, humor, and heart to guide you through some of the toughest (and sweetest) moments of raising babies.
You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
14 Sept 2025
Secrets of a Night Nanny Trailer
Welcome to Secrets of a Night Nanny, the podcast that pulls back the curtain on what really happens when the lights go out and the monitor turns on. We’re Melenie and Amanda—nighttime newborn experts with over 55 years of combined experience, supporting families from the Caribbean to the Pacific through their most sleepless nights. Each week, we share real stories from the night shift, practical tips for parents, and honest conversations about the wild, tender, and sometimes downright funny side of raising babies. Whether you’re a new or expecting parent, a seasoned pro in the postpartum world, or just curious about what actually happens at 2 a.m., you’re in the right place. You bring the monitor—we’ll bring the stories.
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