The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Families
Halloween Funday in the Park
Happy November, friends! This weekend our HOH families showed up and showed out in their family themed costumes! The weather could not have been better for our very first family event. There were mermaids and pirates, pumpkins and birds, knights and hunters, a tiny loaf of wonderbread and Miss Chiquita with a couple of her famous bananas in tow. Our dear friend and consulting physician Dr. Damla Karsan even joined in the fun! Mary and I just loved watching all the families get to know each other better and we are looking forward to adding more family meet ups to our calendar of events. The next family event is our Partner's Meetup on Sunday November 21st. Expectant couples will meet with brand new parents to get all the dirt on the realities of the fourth trimester and life with a newborn.
Meet Our Freshest Faces
Last week I promised you a picture of the newest member of our community and happy to say you guys get a twofer! Meet sweet baby boys Nolan and Kahan. Nolan has TWO full pounds on his buddy but Kahan gets the best hair award. Welcome to the HOH family boys, we are so very happy you're here.
COVID 19 Updates
Last week the FDA issued emergency approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech the COVID -19 vaccine for kids under 11. As mama to a 6 year old, I've been waiting on this day for a while now. My kiddo isn't thrilled about it but I'm sure she'll thank me one day...or not and that's okay too. According to the FDA, data from the trials that began earlier this year shows "...the vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children 5 through 11." Although the number of serious illnesses or death from a COVID-19 infection in this age group is relatively low, the FDA has determined that the protection the vaccine provides is more beneficial than not.
Pregnant folks are also in the group of recommended people who should receive boosters 6 months after the completion of their initial series. If you have question about the COVID-19 vaccine and it's efficacy for pregnant people, please let us know and we are happy to help!
Movement in Birth
This Saturday we welcome back our friend Joanna Zepeda and her Dancing for Birth class. I list the class as a stretch and dance class because the dancing label tends to scare some folks off. In reality, this class is so much more. Joanna is a Birthing From Within instructor and long time doula/birth assistant. After years of attending births in a community setting Joanna has created a class that incorporates everything from relaxation techniques and fear releasing to optimal fetal positioning exercises and connecting with your baby. Oh and there is also some stretching and dancing. Joanna is an incredible instructor and makes sure that everyone in attendance feels safe and heard. This class is also a really great way to start building your community for that fourth trimester.
Attending Dancing for Birth classes was the highlight of my pregnancy! It was so much more than just dance. Joanna is a doula and Birthing from Within educator so each class was filled with information and insight into birth and parenthood. I always came home with a few new dance moves, tools to use during labor, and new friends! You don’t have to be a good dancer. Show up as you are and Joanna takes care of the rest! - HOH Mamma Tarah
Classes are back in person on Saturday mornings a couple of times a month with our next date being this Saturday at 10:30am. Joanna is offering this session for free to anyone who wants to check it out. Classes are usually $15 for HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members and $20 for non-members. RSVP to this week's class and you will also be entered into a drawing for a basket of postpartum goodies! Hope to see you there.
Upcoming Events
Events are virtual unless otherwise noted.
Latch Clinic: Now on Zoom Thursday 11/4 and Wednesday 11/17 at 10am, Leah Jolly IBCLC will join our weekly postpartum support group to answer your feeding questions. We have breakout rooms now so you can spend a few min in private with Leah if necessary.
Take a Walk PP Circle: Wednesday 11/3 10am Centennial Gardens 500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004 (Open to the public)
Stretch and Dance for Birth: Saturday 11/6 10:30am in person. FREE
Pregnancy Group: Sunday 11/7 2pm Open group. No real agenda this class. Bring your questions and catch up with your HOH community.
Queer Parent Circle: LGBTQIA+ identifying parents are welcome to join in community to share the highs and lows of parenthood. New parents and veteran parents are welcome.
Partner's Night: Sunday 11/21 Expectant couples are encouraged to join newly postpartum HOH families to hear birth stories and tips on surviving the fourth trimester.
Ongoing Events
Postpartum Support Group: Every Wednesday from 10-12ish and Thursday 9:30-11:30. Zoom link has been sent to all HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. Email Jessica if you need more information.
Various Childbirth Education Curriculums starting soon: Rebel Birth weekly series or weekend intensive, and Bradley Method with Anne Zwicky. Birthing from within.
That's all for now. Have a good week, friends.
Can't forget my weekly shout out to our H-Town boys!
Go 'Stros!!
