beginner's question on use

[NeoAlchemy]

I am not sure if this is the totally right place for the question, so
please redirect me if so.

I am using CVS at work.  The way it is being used bothers me.  We
create a branch 'a' for development.  If a new release is needed to be
made we make a branch 'b'.  If we are still having changes go on for
branch 'a' we post the changes to branch 'a' and branch 'b'.  The
cycle continues where we make make another branch, branch 'c' for
development off of branch 'b'.  This doesn't seem like a responsible
way to use CVS.  No one else on the team knows any better.  What would
be the appropriate way to handle a sequential release cycle?