- Catherine is a mother of ten children; she married her husband, Robb, in 1974; in addition to a lot of years of parenting, they have operated a family medical practice for thirty years. This blog is a place she shares her thoughts and answers questions -- especially from other moms, but from anyone! -- about pregnancy and child-rearing, marriage, sickness and health, and lots of other things.
Author Archives: Catherine
“Whatever you can do, I can do better” sibling rivalry
Hello! My husband and I have spent a bit of time getting to know your son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Nicole, and they shared with me your blog. We have four children, ages 8, 6, 4, and 10 months, and … Continue reading
Breathing, contractions, transition, and snacking during labour
Questions on breathing, contractions, transition, and snacking during labour from a mom very-soon-to-be: Hello Catherine, I am 38 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I have some questions for you about labour. What kinds of breathing techniques helped you … Continue reading
Posted in Labor & Delivery, Parenting
Tagged Braxton-Hicks, Breathing, contractions, pain, snacking, transition
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Premature babies and nursing
A question from a new mom(!) about breastfeeding: Hi Catherine, love the blog, just discovered it! My question is, do you have any suggestions about getting my baby ‘back to the breast’ after having introduced the bottle? I needed to … Continue reading
Posted in Babies, Breastfeeding, Parenting
Tagged bottle, breastfeeding, Difficulties
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love song
Today I will sing a song about my true love a song about how a couple of college kids head over heels in love, have journeyed for 37 years today Years of growing up and growing together, Learning about each … Continue reading
Posted in Parenting
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Breastfeeding and Interrupted Sleep
a question from Sarah: Dear Catherine, I have two beautiful daughters. I co-slept with my first, which went very well and she transitioned to a toddler bed very easily at about 18 months. She has always been fiercely independent and … Continue reading
Posted in Babies, Breastfeeding, Parenting, Sleeping
Tagged babies, baby not sleeping, breastfeeding, co- sleeping, cosleeping, familybed, sleeping, sleepless nights
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Faith and Parenthood
Claire writes: Are you a woman of faith? If so, how have you incorporated your faith into your parenting? I have a deep faith and it has sustained me in ways I am sure I will never know. This is … Continue reading
Learning to breastfeed
Suzie asked about breastfeeding: How long did it take for you to get the hang of breastfeeding? I’ve heard it can be very difficult for some mothers/babies. How frequently does a newborn feed throughout the night? Let me first say … Continue reading
How soon after delivery were you walking? How soon back to normal?
How soon after delivery were you walking? When did you feel like you were back to normal? As far as getting back to normal. Nothing is normal once you have kids. Every day brings surprises. It is a new journey … Continue reading
What does pushing feel like? Like pooping? (and other pooping questions)
Another great series of questions from Suzie: What does “pushing” feel like? Like pooping? Will I poop on my baby? Is going to the bathroom extremely painful after delivery (when can I poop after delivery)? None of the books answer … Continue reading
Posted in Labor & Delivery, Parenting, Pregnancy
Tagged bathroom, labor, pain, pooping, pushing
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Most comfortable position to labor in before pushing
Suzie asks another great question: What was the best/most comfortable position for you to labor in before you starting pushing for delivery? I am a firm believer in having women walk during labour. I did not do this my first … Continue reading
Posted in Parenting
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thebestofmum 