Why Some Educated Women Are Choosing Big Families (and What It Says About Motherhood Today) with Catherine Pakaluk, author of Hannah's Children | Ep. 129

College educated women with five or more children are NOT the cultural norm, so why are some choosing this path anyway? In this fascinating conversation, economist and author Dr. Catherine Pakaluk discusses the birth dearth, shares what she discovered after interviewing educated American women who chose large families in an era defined by career ambition. We talk about the “birth dearth,” modern motherhood, identity, purpose, and the deeper motivations behind family size We talk about: - What Hannah’s Children is about and why Dr. Pakaluk wrote it - What the “birth dearth” is and why it matters culturally - The current state of birth rates in America - Why she specifically studied college educated women with five or more children - Common misconceptions about large families - Themes that emerged around identity, purpose, and meaning in motherhood - How these women viewed sacrifice, work, and fulfillment - Encouragement for women who feel unsure about having another child ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT LINKS • ✨ Join our Mom Club on Patreon HERE ✨ 👈🏼 • Truly Free Home- Toxin Free Laundry Detergent and Cleaning Supplies HERE ◦ Use Code LEARNINGTOMOM for 30% off! Read Dr. Pakaluk's book HERE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- enjoying motherhood, overwhelmed mom tips, how to enjoy motherhood, simple motherhood, motherhood mindset, overwhelmed moms podcast, motherhood self care, motherhood encouragement podcast, enjoying mom life again, motherhood and marriage balance, postpartum identity, how to be a happy mom, motherhood mental health, birthing podcast, First time mom podcast, birth podcast, What is the best pregnancy podcast, Podcast for expecting mothers, motherhood podcast, how to prepare for birth, Best pregnancy podcast, new mom podcast, that pregnancy podcast, Pregnancy podcast for first time moms, Pregnancy podcast week by week, Pregnancy podcast is it Normal, Natural pregnancy podcast, Pregnancy podcasts for first time moms, pregnancy podcast, that pregnancy podcast, Newborn care podcast, Postpartum podcast, Motherhood podcast, First time mom, Best motherhood podcast, Best parenting podcast, Holistic parenting podcast, Holistic newborn, Crunchy mom podcast, toddler, toddler parenting podcast, toddler motherhood podcast, Mom podcast, parenting podcast, First time mom podcast, motherhood podcast, postpartum podcast, infant podcast, newborn care podcast, new baby podcast, pregnancy podcast, how to parent, parenting tips, parenting advice, large families, educated women and motherhood, birth dearth, declining birth rates, women choosing big families, motherhood and purpose, family size decisions, motherhood identity, stay at home mom perspective, working mom vs stay at home mom, fertility and modern culture, christian motherhood podcast, parenting podcast, family life discussions, motherhood meaning