As a parent of young kids, I know the never ending questions and worries that can pop up about nutrition during cold/flu season and how to navigate challenges throughout the postpartum period. My hope is for this blog to provide you with answers from a trusted professional to support your family’s journey. 

Meet Catherine

Catherine is a Labor & Postpartum Doula, Holistic Nutritionist and Yoga Instructor and Mama to a toddler. She is passionate about supporting families as they grow. 

I first connected with Catherine in January 2019 when my son was 8 weeks old and I landed on my yoga mat for the first time after my c-section birth. Catherine was compassionate, knowledgeable about recovery and offered a warm and supportive approach to the hazy early postpartum weeks. I am grateful for her calm guidance throughout my first postpartum journey and now love to see her food content and personal and parenting journey on her instagram page (@baby.beets).

Thank you Catherine for sharing your knowledge and supporting our community in so many ways.

How did you decide to become a Postpartum Doula, Yoga Instructor and Holistic Nutritionist?

I first became interested in Holistic Health, after my own journey. I became quite passionate about sharing information and the desire to help support others. While I was in school I started to lean into the building blocks of good nutrition in kids, wanting to help families establish a good foundation around mealtime. Digging deeper into family needs, I learned what a doula was and knew that I would be establishing my business to support pre/postnatal families. Losing my mom in my 20s, I felt that void and knew when I had my own children; I would miss having her supporting me. Through my doula training I learned how valuable we are in a home for all new parents. Yoga came later, as I deepened my own practice; I really wanted to specifically support pregnant and postpartum bodies.

What is your favourite part about supporting a family’s postpartum journey as a doula?

I love how individualized my support is for each family and visibly seeing the gratitude of new parents. Most importantly I love how I can go into a home and make a difference.

If a parent was looking to increase their energy by making 1 change to their daily food consumption, what could they try?

I would say that not skipping meals (especially breakfast) is the most important thing you can do to increase energy. You also want to focus on increasing protein.

What’s your favourite postpartum food to recommend to families?

If I’m being realistic, anything easy, especially if you have older kids! Sheet pan meals are a big favourite, the variety of recipes available online makes it appealing to so many. The best part is, you can have the prep done in under 10min. 

For a first-time parent, what should their freezer/pantry be stocked up with?

Freezer: soup/stew, lasagne, homemade burritos (you can wrap in foil & heat in oven)

Pantry: favourite snack bars, crackers, homemade granola (have with yogurt)

Favourite quick snacks for new parents: fruit & nuts/seeds, hummus & veg, wraps can be loaded with so much goodness, yogurt with granola, smoothies, energy balls/bars, boiled eggs

If a parent was feeling drained and needed a quick energy boost, what yoga pose could they try? 

Child’s pose and legs up the wall. Both can be restorative and energizing. 

If you were a fruit/vegetable, which one would you be and why?

I feel like this is a trick question because I have to answer BEETS, right?? They definitely are a favourite for flavour, versatility and health benefits. 

With cold/flu season, what’s your favourite food to have on hand for little ones who are sick?

Bone broth! Or stock some organic bones in the freezer so you can make a clear broth. And because it’s often hard to get them to eat (especially healthy stuff) while sick, I love using bone broth to cook tiny noodles. Others that can be helpful: coconut water, electrolyte drinks, elderberry and toast.

What’s your favourite meal to make for your own family?

I wouldn’t say that I have a favourite meal but I love cooking for them; it fills my cup. We eat more pasta than I ever have (because toddlers) and I love to load it up with veggies!

How could a family connect with you that is looking for more individualized support?

You can visit Catherine on Instagram (@baby.beets) and on her website linked here!

If sickness has passed and sleep has been sidelined, book a support call here for immediate strategies to get your sleep journey back on track.

Wishing you a healthy and restorative postpartum journey.

Chelsea & Catherine

 

Chelsea is Mom of 2 young kids and a Baby Sleep Consultant supporting families within Hamilton and beyond using gentle, effective, evidence-based strategies. She has a Masters of Professional Education and over 10 years of professional experience in parent coaching. She works collaboratively with families to empower them with the confidence and tools they need to reach their unique sleep goals. Hear what other rested families are saying about the process and Book a free call with Chelsea to discuss how she can support your family’s sleep journey.