Have you heard of GNP? No, not Gross National Product, but Gender-Neutral Parenting.

Let me start by stating that I’m very grateful that I can breastfeed my baby. I know that it doesn’t work for all mothers and babies for a variety of reasons, and I’m thankful that it has worked for me and my daughter.

Did you know that Canada and the United States both have a National Grandparents’ Day? Like Mother’s and Father’s Day, this is an opportunity to give grandparents an extra hug and tell them how much they are appreciated. But of course there are reasons to celebrate grandparents every day of the year.

“The stitches in my vagina make sitting and walking unbearable, my boobs leak milk, and intense abdominal cramping is a sure sign that my uterus is shrinking back to its regular size. Ha! But it’s all totally worth it.”

It doesn’t matter how many parenting books you’ve devoured or how many birth videos you’ve dared to stomach: nothing can prepare you for motherhood until the moment you’re holding that sweet, squawking, hungry babe in your arms.

Question: Our first child was born two months ago, and I feel as if my husband and I have been drifting apart. I thought that having a baby would bring us closer, but the opposite has happened.

Unlike learning in school with instructors and a clearly defined program, parenting is a whole different ball game.

I have some bad news. That life you’ve grown accustomed to? It’s long-, far-away-, never-to-be-seen-again gone. May it rest in peace. (Which is ironic, because you will not be resting in peace, or any other state, for quite some time.)

When my oldest son Jake was 13 months old, I found out I was expecting another child. I remember sitting in my doctor’s office stunned as she showed me the positive pregnancy strip.

0 TO 3 MONTHS I didn’t think it would be like this. My twins — a precious boy and girl — are six weeks old and I’m teetering on the edge of sanity.