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Breastfeeding is so fascinating - with everyone’s journey being unique. Tell us about your journey to becoming a lactation consultant.
It began as a toddler at my mother’s ankles as she led breastfeeding groups! Years later, I completed a four-year Bachelor of Health Sciences degree, with a focus on Women’s Health. Four years of Lactation Management studies followed that, including 1000 clinical hours.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
Huge Miami Dolphins fan, love my Kawasaki dirt bike
Tell us about your family. How was your postpartum journey?
My first postpartum journey was fumbling, gentle, sweet, tiring, and short- my first two boys are less than a year-and-half apart in age. My second born son had colic, and that was very trying with a toddler needing my resources as well. I developed postpartum anxiety after my third birth, which knocked me down and surprised me. I come with a variety of experiences with these births and babies!
What are your top recovery tips for postpartum?
Rest, mental health check ins, a solid and trustworthy sounding board (one friend of love can be everything), hydration, deeply nourishing foods, protecting your space, kindness and gentleness to yourself.
What are your favorite snacks for postpartum?
My collaboration lactation cookies! Juli’s Cookie Company asked for my input for these delicious and supportive bite sized cookies, and I was happy to partner with the small, local, women-owned bakery.
What’s your top tip for breastfeeding?
Understanding that frequent feeding in the early days is usual. That does not indicate that something is wrong- with your milk, your baby, or your journey.
What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
Ginger
What are three things you can’t live without (the postpartum version)?
I have more than three..
Herbal tea
Huge glass water bottle with a straw
Good (supportive) entertainment- easy reads, comedic relief, and staying away from daytime TV that can sometimes drag you down
Yoga mat and meditation pillow
Soothing nipple ointment
What are you most excited about in your life right now?
Watching my newly minted teens figuring out their place and way in the world.
Supporting new parents in this new, nourishing, exemplary model of care
Your affirmation for today?
I matter
I can take up space
I am proud
I am here
I am present
I am
Catherine is a devoted maternal and child health advocate, a La Leche League
Leader and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Catherine runs a private practice, and is the primary clinical lactation consultant in a
Toronto office.
Check out Catherine's website here