The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Families and Friends
Happy Tuesday!
Well friends, I've been working hard to get our calendar of events up to date and filled with our core classes for the remainder of the year. It's been a month since we moved into our new space and I'm happy to announce I am finally finished! Check out our calendar to see all the great events and classes offered for the rest of 2022. I'm working on 2023 so keep an eye out for those updates.
We've started offering group tours of the birth center on Wednesday evenings and we've had great turnout. The plan is to alternate group tours and core classes every Wednesday night. There will also be some changes to our Wednesday morning postpartum zoom groups so please take note.
First and third Wednesdays NO online postpartum group
Second and fourth Wednesday Online postpartum circle 10 am- 12 pm on Zoom
Second and fourth Wednesday evenings Group Tours 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Every First and third Wednesday evenings Core Classes 6pm
Confused yet? That's okay, you can always just check the calendar for the most up to date schedule.
Holy Sh*t! We're parents!
Over the weekend we had another great turnout for our Newborn Care class with Dr. Shirley Chan-Ramirez of Blossom Pediatrics and Lactation Services. While I enjoy teaching folks how to change a diaper or the perfect swaddling, I much prefer to prepare folks for the really tough parts of the newborn period. Thanks to YouTube and other social media platforms, step-by-step tutorials of basic baby care are available at your fingertips. Discussions on the emotional and psychological changes are not as readily available. The goal of our core classes is to equip you with information so you can manage your expectations about labor, birth and the fourth trimester. We cover the stuff that no one likes to talk about...except us of course. Yesterday we covered newborn sleep patterns, safe sleep and bed sharing; tummy troubles, rashes and skin care, belly buttons and baby genitals and most importantly, self care. Because, let's be honest, you can't take care of a baby if you haven't taken care of yourself. That's practically impossible to do without some planning and well, lowered expectations. Parenting is hard, there will be moments when you'll question all of your life choices and that's okay because it's also the most magical thing you'll ever do.
Grand Opening! October 15th
If you're reading this you're invited to our Grand Opening celebration! We'll have giveaways and some of our favorite professionals will be here to show you around and tell you all about the great services they offer. We'd love to see you and the entire family! RSVP on the event page and we'll see you on the 15th!
Meet the Monks
Who's in your family? Sarah, Jay and Miri Rose (age 5 weeks)
What is your biggest challenge currently? Feeding in general was tough from the beginning. We are overcoming a severe tongue and lip tie. It was hard for her to even latch to a bottle until the frenectomy release. Breastfeeding is finally going smoothly (2 weeks out from release procedure) to where she can receive a full feeding from nursing ❤️. No more tube or syringe feeds! I don't need to be as dependent on the pump. *I also hardly slept at all the first month, which didn't help anything.
What's your best pregnancy, birth, or parenting tip?
Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love. Remind your mind that the pain of the hard times is temporary (like contractions). Being gentle with yourself is one of the most powerful actions you can do.
What's one thing you can't do without as a pregnant person or parent?
Relationships. I can't be my best by myself. My husband, big family and friends keep me centered. And as far as a thing I can't do without -- a pumping bra is hands down (literally!) necessary for those 8-10 daily fifteen minute sessions. It has saved my back!
How do you fill your cup when it's empty?
Spiritual practice. It can be as simple as belly breathing. I walk a faith that blends compassion from many paths but especially Christian mysticism. Playing music and singing is also a part of how I come back to myself and feel whole.
Tell us about something (or someone) you love.
Jay never ceases to amaze me. He's been a steady rock of calm reassurance in this whole journey. He is discerning yet goofy and a gifted musician. Miri was a surprise pregnancy, coming into our lives even before we found a home together and were married this last year. Jay's perspective helped me keep the faith that we would figure it out, together. We've been friends since high school but until summer of 2021, our paths were very different. We chose each other first and felt like our baby then chose us (and she couldn't wait another 20yrs for us to finally get together!).
All events, classes and circles are now at 6550 Mapleridge 77081
This Week's Events
Upcoming Events
Ongoing Events
Postpartum Support Group: Alternating Wednesdays 10-12 on Zoom. Every Thursday in person 10-12. Link to zoom room 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 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.
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