The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Families
Fall is officially here!
Happy, happy Monday everyone! This lovely weather has us dancing a little jig here at the birth center. Our windows are open, the Astros are still in the playoffs (nary a trash can in sight) and we are hoping to meet a couple of babies very soon. Life is good.
We've been busy adding some fun events to our calendar for both expectant and new parents. As our first group of HOH babies are rounding out their first year we just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for trusting us with your care. Back in 2019 when Mary approached me with her desire to open a birth center we knew it wouldn't be easy but we also knew that Houston was ready for something different. We're so proud to be bridging the gap between hospital and community birth. Birth can be beautiful and transformative no matter where or how your baby is brought into this world; we're grateful to be part of so many lovely births this year. What was your favorite part of your birth story?
Over the weekend
Mary Love and doula Kathleen Wilson led this past weekend's pregnancy group. Our topic of discussion was managing early labor at home and when to head in to the place where you will give birth. Laboring in your own space where you feel safest is typically going to be the best environment to get things headed in the right direction. We know that physiological labor relies heavily on hormones and our physical and emotional well being directly influences the release of those hormones during labor. And as much as we all wish labor could be a direct and predictable line from point A to point Z, it really is more like labyrinth. Mary covered the, "When plans change" portion of class which we recorded for those of you would couldn't attend on Sunday. I'll post a link to the recording in the member's area. She describes the beauty of the sacred journey into the labyrinth in preparation for labor, the arrival and the return with our new baby and new self. Kathleen and her doula partner Joli Ammons are beginning a new Rebel Birth childbirth series next week, check it out if you're looking for something a little different from most curriculums.
New events!
If you follow us on social media you know I was pretty excited last week to have finally found a yoga instructor for our space. BriAnna Gant is a registered nurse and doula who has been teaching yoga in Houston since the start of the pandemic. She recently started teaching in person again and we are so happy to welcome her and her team to Heart of Houston and the Whole Heart Collective. Her first class is this Friday 22nd from 6-7pm. Class is FREE to current HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective Members. You must RSVP. Oh, and did I mention there is childcare!?! Yeah, dude. You should just plan on coming.
Baby Yoga
That's right. Yoga for babies. Zoie Drake of Bloom and Grow joins us Saturday November 13th at 10am for a demo of her baby massage and yoga classes. Class is free to HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. Space is very limited and this is an in person event so masks must be worn at all time. Class will be limited to 5 spots so RSVP soon.
Adult time
Don't forget that our friend Rachel Stonebrook will lead our group class this Sunday on sexuality during pregnancy and parenting. You probably know about some of the physical changes that come with childbearing but intimacy when you have children is a whole new level of difficulty. It doesn't have to be as long as we take the time to figure out a new norm.
Queer Parent Circle
Finally a parent support circle for those of us who identify as LGBTQIA+. We will meet in person at the birth center the second Sunday of each month at 3:30-5pm. This event is open to folks with kids of all ages. Space is limited so please RSVP, masks are required. Our first event will be posted soon.
Upcoming Events
Events are virtual unless otherwise noted.
Latch Clinic: Now on Zoom 10/27, 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.
Yoga with Bee: Join fellow HOH and Whole Heart Collective members for an evening of sounds baths, gentle stretch yoga and grounding with Doula BriAnna Gnat. RSVP to secure your spot. Virtual attendance is available as well as on site childcare.
Pregnancy Group: Sunday October 24th Sexuality in Pregnancy and Beyond Rachel Stonebrook will go over physiological and mental changes during the perinatal cycle and address some common fears and concerns about sex during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. Class is free to HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members and $20 for non-members. Location TBD
HOH Halloween Party: Saturday October 30th 12-2 at River Oaks Parks. Everyone is welcome, costumes are AGGRESSIVELY recommended.
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.
Oh and GO 'Stro's
