The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Families and Friends
Welcome to the world!
It's Tuesday, dear ones! Yesterday we had the incredible privilege of welcoming the first baby in our new home. Sweet Simon was born into his mama's waiting hands early Monday morning with the help of his loving dad and their sweet doula, Shelly Williams. Mary and I happen to be on call but we would not have missed this birth for the world!! The birth was beautiful and it felt like the start of a new chapter for Heart of Houston. Like a very long and complicated pregnancy, we've finally had the chance to hold our new baby and breathe a sigh of relief and immense gratitude. As we walked the new family of three to their car Mary and I hugged and said, "We did it!" just like we did back in March of 2021 after our first birth at Clay st. We are forever grateful for our time in Montrose but y'all, we are definitely loving our new home! Keep an eye out for a grand opening tour next month. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is looking for midwifery care, we are now offering tours on some Wednesday evenings every month. Check our our calendar of events to sign up.
Do I really need a CPR class?
Last time we offered CPR we heard from our HOH mamas over on our Whatsapp group about the times they've had to use the techniques they learned in class. This morning as I was scrolling through our instagram account when I noticed that our friend Gail Gould tagged us in a video. Our HOH mama Andrea Arana of Las Perras Cafe shared yet another story of having to use the skills she learned in class to save her son from choking. If you haven't taken a CPR class recently now is your chance to refresh your skills! We encourage every pregnant person and anyone caring for a new baby to take a CPR and first aid class. Our next class will be Saturday October 8th from 10am-12pm. Class is $45 per person. Get all the details and RSVP here.
The magic of art in birth
A few months ago after yet another school shooting I was in a very dark place about the general state our country. When I say dark I mean I was really pissed off. I was ready to skip work on Friday and march my ass down to city hall and let my voice be heard. I went to CVS and bought the biggest and brightest poster board I could find and created a sign that, well, I cannot share here. It took me hours and by the end of the night I actually felt a lot better. So much so that I decided to forego the protest and instead focus on preparing for my daughter's kindergarten graduation party which was planned for Saturday morning. It was the first time I realized the power of making art to sooth my anger and anxiety. I am not artist, but I am really proud of the poster I made and was able to express my frustrations and fears in ways that I was unable verbalize. Well, at least not without a few expletives.
Art is one of the tools Pam England recommends preparing for birth in her books Birthing From Within and Ancient Map for Modern Birth. Nikki Saheed, a Birthing From Within mentor, describes what has come to be known as Birth Art like this:
"Most people who have witnessed or experienced labor will agree that at some point in the process, birthing people drop into a different part of their brains, where they experience a dream-like mental state, disconnected from rational thought. Often, the information they gathered before birth feels like it’s far, far away as they drift into this 'Labor Land.' Some will even report finding it harder to cope or focus when someone asks them a question or tries to bring them back into their 'thinking brain.'
Art-making in prenatal preparation gives each parent the experience of moving out of their neocortex and into their creative, intuitive mind, where they can begin to access deeper beliefs, insights, imagery, and solutions than they could in the ordinary beta-brainwave state of alert consciousness. Thus, parents get a taste of the 'Labor Land' mindset, as well as the unconscious mind’s ability to generate unlimited possibilities and solutions for any issues that might arise." (Birthing From Within Blog)
We are excited to offer both Birth Art and a Birthing From Within childbirth education series later this month. Check out our event calendar to register.
Birth Art: Sunday September 18th from 12-1pm. This event is open to the public and registration is required. Cost for supplies is $20/person or $25/couple.
Full Class: Tuesdays September 20th thru October 25th (no class on 10/4) 6:30-8:30 pm our birthing assistant Joanna Zepeda will teach a five part Birthing From Within childbirth education series. Cost is $300 a couple. HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective member receive a 10% discount.
Move your body
We're so happy to welcome back Bee the Doula and her Friday night Yoga sessions! This Friday will be the first practice in our new space. If you haven't had a chance to participate yet, we highly recommend you check it out. Class starts at 6:45 and as always, childcare is free. It's also a great chance to meet Bee and her team of doulas and newborn specialist! Postpartum superheros, y'all.
Saturday night join us for a Dancing and Breath for Birth session under the full moon. Let la Luna charge your body and soul. Our grounding meditation begins at 6:30 and will focus on releasing fear and recharging our hearts. RSVP Everyone is invited to attend including birthworkers and their clients.
Meet your doula!
Don't miss the chance to chat with the doulas of The TLC Doula group this Friday evening over zoom from 6:30-8pm. Every second Friday of the month we welcome local doula groups to share their stories and with Houston families. We invite everyone interested in learning more about what each unique doula has to offer. Join the conversation here.
All events, classes and circles are now at 6550 Mapleridge 77081
This Week's Events
Leah Jolly, IBCLC Joins us again this week for Feeding Clinic!
Upcoming Events
Father's/Partner/Non-Gestational Parent Brunch: Saturday September 24th 10-12pm. This event is open to all HOH and Whole Heart Collective members past and present. Stay tuned for the event page and more details.
HOH Baby & Me Yoga: Wednesday September 28th 12:30-1:30 FREE to current HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective Members.
Meeting Milestones Through Play: Wednesday September 28th 10am-12pm Occupational Therapist Hanna Durning will join us to give tips on helping your new baby meet developmental milestones through play. RSVP Open to current HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective Members.
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.
Feeding Clinic: Twice a month during Postpartum group. Keep an eye on schedule for specifics
Queer Parent Circle: Second Sunday of every month 2-4pm Open to the public!
Birthworkers Circle: Second Sunday of every month starting Jan 2022 time 11am-1:30pm
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 great week everyone.
