The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Families and Friends!
Houston, it's Fall
Welcome to the best time of year for the city of Houston. The humidity is low, the sun is shining, every weekend we have amazing street festivals and the Astros are in the World Series! We've enjoyed seeing you all in your Astros gear. Send us your pictures of those sweet babies in their game day attire and we'll share it on our social media. We are starting our Wednesday walks again! Keep an eye on the Bumpdate for bi-weekly locations. This week will be our first week. Check out the details below.
SUNDAY is our 2nd annual Spooky Baby Bash! Everyone is welcome! There will be a photo booth and fun crafts for the kiddos.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Now is a great time to set reminders on your favorite device for monthly self breast exams. Did you know that your midwife can show you the proper technique for self exams when you have your annual visit? There will be changes to the breast tissue when you are nursing or have stopped nursing. If you have questions about what is "normal" give us a call or schedule a well person visit.
Dia de los Muertos
As much as I love Halloween I dislike that it gets grouped into the same category as Dia de los Muertos. The two day Mexican holiday starts November 1st is a celebration of our ancestors and in remembrance of our deceased loved ones. Traditionally folks will decorate ofrendas or altars with pictures, small tokens or mementos, flowers and offerings for those on the other side. It's a chance to honor our past and to pass these traditions on to our children. Here are some ideas of what to add to your ofrenda.
Prayers or intentions written or spoken.
Pictures of people you love who have passed on. Think of this as the invitation for your loved ones on the other side to find you.
Elemental offerings. Water, fire or earth. Flowers and other pieces that connect us to life's natural cycles.
Special items that are uniquely representative of the person being honored. A special food or drink or music can be used.
Rachel's Fall Recipes
Coming from the land of snow and cold (Minnesota), I have a lot of warm weather recipes. When the weather drops a few degrees here in Texas I have to rush to make all the fall things! Here are two of my absolute favorite recipes. Enjoy them and feel free to pass along your favorites to me next time you're in clinic 😊. -Rachel
Copycat Panera Bread Autumn Squash Soup via cincyshopper.com
Ingredient
1 Butternut Squash
1 small Onion
2 tbsp Olive Oil
15 oz Pumpkin Puree
2 cup Vegetable Broth
1 1/2 cup Apple Cider
1 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
2 tbsp Honey
1/4 tsp Curry Powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Pumpkin Seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450.
Peel and seed squash and cut into chunks.
Peel and quarter onion
Toss squash and onion in olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool at least 10 minutes.
Puree in blender or food processor.
In a large saucepan, combine squash puree, pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, apple cider and cream.
Bring to a low boil over medium heat.
Add honey and spices and simmer for 10 minutes.
Garnish with pumpkin seeds.
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash via Tasty.co
Ingredients for 4 servings
2 small acorn squashes, or 1 large
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
3 cloves garlic, chopped
½ lb sausage
1 apple, chopped
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup parmesan cheese
Preparation
Using a sharp knife cut off the very top and bottom of each squash to create a flat base on each side (being careful not to cut through the center cavity).
Slice the squash in half, scrape out seeds to create individual bowls for the stuffing.
Drizzle each squash half with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast in a preheated oven at 400ËšF (200ËšC) for 40-50 minutes - or until fork tender.
While squash is roasting - in a large fry pan over medium heat - heat oil and add Onion, Celery, Salt, Pepper, and Rosemary. Cook until onions begin to soften.
Add Garlic and Sausage, until sausage is browned on all sides.
Add Apple until slightly softened. Finally mix in Bread Crumbs and Parmesan cheese just until incorporated. Remove from heat.
Once Squash has finished roasting (when you can easily poke it with a fork) remove from oven and fill each with prepared stuffing mixture.
Return to Oven for 20 minutes - adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the top for the final 5 minutes.
This Week's Events
Wednesday Take a Walk: Wednesday 10/26 10am Now that the weather is better let's start our walks again! This week we'll meet at the Sabine street Water Works parking lot. Text Jessica if you plan on coming so we don't miss anyone. Everyone is welcome!
FREE Friday Night Yoga with Bee: Our friend Bee and her team of doulas are hosting a FREE class for HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. Childcare is included. Non members $20 at the door, $10 to join us virtually. RSVP please.
Houston Birth Fair: Saturday 10/29 10am-4pm at the United Way on Waugh. This is a free event showcasing all the amazing Houston area birth workers and ancillary providers. There will be a ton of free stuff, giveaways and demos and panel discussions. Swing by our table for hugs and pictures!
2nd Annual Spooky Baby Bash: Sunday October 30th 10am-12:30 Family costumes are Aggressively encouraged!!! Bring a snack to share and visit with friends. Please RSVP!
All events, classes and circles are now at 6550 Mapleridge 77081
Upcoming Events
Wednesday Evening Group Prenatal: Core Class Comfort Measures Wednesday 11/2 6pm. This interactive class will be great practice for game day! Bring your support person(s) and cycle through the six comfort stations set up throughout the birth center for hands on practice. This class is free to current HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective Members. Please RSVP
Stretch, Dance and Breath for Birth: Saturday November 5th and 12th Join us for an evening of celebrating the Goddess within! Joanna Zepeda will lead a practice of gratitude and guidance as you prepare for your journey into parenthood. This event is $15 for HOH and Whole Heart Collective members and $20 for the public. Please RSVP!
Sex in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Sunday 11/6 2pm Please join us for an informative and fun class regarding all things sex: including all types of intercourse while pregnant and during the postpartum phase. During pregnancy, sex changes for both you and your partner; it also changes again when your body adjusts through the postpartum period. Come meet Aya Cardellini and Karen Kowenski, pelvic floor physical therapists of Empower Yourself PT to discuss what is normal and what to do about it!
Car Seat Safety: Sunday 11/12 12-2pm $25 a family. This class will get you ready to safely transport your child from birth and beyond. Regardless of the seat you choose, you will learn to use it correctly, get tips for a proper install in your specific vehicles, and be prepared to make the adjustments necessary as your child grows. Open to everyone!
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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