The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness families.
They come in threes!
Happy Monday friends! The HOH crew had a busy week. Our sweet Whole Heart Collective members Danielle and Christina welcomed their son Luca into the world early Wednesday morning. I met these parents a few years ago when they were beginning their quest to conceive. We mapped out the various routes available and like many same sex couples the road was long, hard and totally worth it. It's been an honor witnessing these two become parents. Congrats friends!
Luca's birth set off a chain reaction and we met two more babies on Friday! Midwife Bethany and Rachel tended to the Allen family at the birth center as they welcomed their 5th baby, Archie, earthside.
Archie's big sister Alba has been patiently waiting to meet this guy for a long, long time. We've enjoyed having Alba in clinic each week; she's become an expert in taking heart tones. Big sister even acted as a doula to her sweet mama during Archie's birth. Congratulations on your newest blessing, Allen family!
Meanwhile Mary Love and midwifery student Tori supported the Cribley family as they welcomed their second baby, Maxine, into the world. Once again, our friends at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women beautifully supported the Cribleys and our midwives for Maxine's planned hospital birth. Big brother Hudson is no doubt excited to finally meet his new sidekick! Congrats Cribley family!
Black History Month
This month is Black History month and we are celebrating by introducing you to some amazing local birth workers and organizations working hard to improve infant and maternal mortality rates here in Houston and around the US. The fact is that black birthing bodies are four times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts. These numbers are true regardless of income and education. We now know that these statistics are direct results of systemic racism, generational trauma and disparities in access to adequate healthcare. Birth centers, doulas/labor support and the midwifery model of care are proving to be some of the best tools available to reduce these startling numbers.
Meet the doulas
I've been lucky enough over the years to work with some AHHHHH-mazing doulas. I'm excited to highlight these three kick-ass doulas from the Houston area working in and out the hospital setting supporting black mamas and babies.
Terhea Harris- Lovely Lavender Lady I love working with Terhea because she has such a sweet and gentle spirit. She's also mom to three boys so she's more than capable of taking charge and being heard when needed. Terhea has been a doula since 2016 and also leads an online support group for teen parents through The Shades of Blue Project.
BriAnna Gant- You know her as Bee the Doula and our Friday night yoga instructor. We love that BriAnna is a registered nurse working in labor and delivery AND she also happens to be an amazing doula. Bee knows how to facilitate personalized, holistic care in the most medicalized of spaces. She and her team offer a variety of services including birth photography, postpartum doulas, placenta encapsulation and of course prenatal yoga. You can find her at Beethedoula.com
Sasha Sumlings-Massage Momma Sasha's been a doula in Houston for as long as I can remember! She also one of the best licensed massage therapist in Houston. What I love most about Sasha is that she knows birth in every environment. She is an Evidence Based Birth®️ Instructor and helps families find their voices to ensure they are being heard and respected wherever they choose to give birth.
These ladies are just a few of the doulas doing the hard work of improving outcomes for black birthing people and their babies. Next Bumpdate I'll feature some local organizations, providers and other community resources.
Little sweethearts: Valentine's day recap!
Upcoming Events
Postpartum Support Group: In person! Wednesday 2/23 10am. Wear your mask and bring your baby. I've missed y'all!!
Take a Walk PP Support Group : 2/24 10am let's meet for a short stroll. TBD
Pregnancy Group: Sunday 2/27 2pm First 48hrs with a newborn. Leah Jolly, IBCLC and Jessica will go over the important things to remember during the first 48hrs of your new baby's life. First half of the class will be review of newborn characteristics and Leah will lead the second half with breastfeeding basics.
Solid Foods as Exploration to Build Oral Motor Skills: Tuesday the 22nd at 10am Starting solids soon? Find out how first foods can help build motor skills. $15 for HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective clients and $20 for non members. Please RSVP !
Babywearing 101 and Fit check: This two hour babywearing workshop will cover the basics of wearing your baby safely followed by an opportunity to have your gear checked by our expert, Angelique Geehan. This event is free to HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. $25 for everyone else. Please RSVP payment can be sent via paypal to ag@angeliquegeehan.com
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.
Queer Parent Circle: Second Sunday of every month 3:30-5pm 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.
