The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Friends and Families
Full House
Welcome to another edition of our weekly newsletter! We've had a full house for group recently and I'm loving it. I wanted to invite those of you who might be feeling anxious about joining to swing by this Thursday between 10-12ish and meet your community. I know it might feel daunting to be around other people right, now but hear me out! For the past 10 years I've met with new parents monthly and sometimes weekly to celebrate and lament their new realities. I fully credit my village of birth-workers and friends/doula clients for surviving early parenthood and many continue to support me in the beautiful chaos of parenthood. Here's what I've learned along the way.
This will most likely be the destination for your first solo outing. No one shows up on time so you can focus on practicing getting out of the house without unnecessary pressure. Group shouldn't be a chore but it definitely takes effort to attend. It fills your cup and might be your only outing for the week at first and that just fine.
This room will be the space where you learn how to feed your baby in public. No matter how you choose to feed your baby, this is a safe space for you to figure it all out. Our very favorite IBCLC Leah Jolly sits in twice a month to give expert advice on all thing feeding related. Your peers are around to share their experiences about feeding their little ones.
Every time you attend group you are helping someone sitting beside you. You may feel lost and alone the first time you show up but seeing others in the struggle with you can light a flame of hope. One that might need to be rekindled every Thursday.
These people will be vital in your inaugural season as a parent and some will remain in your life for more than a season. They are all important; tell them.
Surge vs Wave
I was chatting with my friend and fellow birth assistant Joanna Zepeda last week about our upcoming Wednesday evening Pregnancy Circle/Class. This will be our first time doing this together but I really believe that the more sources of information you have, the better you are setting expectations about your birthing time. If you've taken any of my classes you know I use humor to teach you the benefits of low expectations. Labor and postpartum both tend to have frequent and unwelcome periods of major suck. Those baby snuggles and moments of magic make it all worth it, but that shit is hard. Hard looks different for everyone; every birthing person and new parent shows a type of strength they've never needed before. It requires a level of sacrifice and courage that I know you possess, but trust me when I say you will need it in ways that will surprise you. Joanna is a gifted teacher in every way. She explains labor and birth in ways that will challenge your fears or anxieties and leave you feeling prepared and even excited to welcome your baby earthside. Please register for this event. Open to HOH and WHC members.
Meet Doula and home chef extraordinaire, Hannah Goodwin
Who are you? Hi! My name is Hannah Goodwin, owner of Nurture and Nourish Doula Services.
How do you serve/help the pregnant and postpartum communities? As a certified birth and postpartum doula, I have a particular passion in helping pregnant people and new families feel loved and supported by providing nourishing meals when they need it the most.
How did you get into this line of work?My passion for supporting families through birth and beyond first began in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2011, where I had the opportunity to study abroad in a dual internship program focused on maternal healthcare and early childhood development. I trained with Danish midwives and learned about the traditional Scandinavian model of care for birth, pregnancy, and the first year after birth. After returning to the states, I saw such a huge gap in the level of care, especially after realizing what a huge difference it can make when people feel fully emotionally and physically supported through birth. I grew up in a home where food is love, and I have always had a passion for cooking, including an internship at the French restaurant Charivari throughout my college years. In 2017, I decided to combine my passions and open up my business, Nurture and Nourish. My approach involves teaching my families what is going on within their body, all of the options they will have through birth and beyond, earliest communication methods with their newborn, and how to feel confident in caring for/bonding with their baby from the earliest days through the first year of life.
What do you wish everyone knew about your area of expertise?
I wish everyone knew that you deserve to feel well, safe, and supported through whatever your pregnancy and postpartum journey holds.
What is most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part for me is when my clients tell me that my support has allowed them to focus on the joys of this time in their lives and that the knowledge I’ve imparted has made the journey so much easier, even through the challenges.
Tell us about something (or someone) you love.
I’ve realized one of the things I love the most in this world is to help things grow—whether it be raising butterflies with my two kiddos, tending to all of the plants in my garden, or especially helping families grow together. My favorite types of meals to make including warm, nourishing comfort foods—the kind of food made by grandmothers around the world, the food that speaks right to your heart and soul.
Strawberry Season
This drink is in honor of strawberry season. You can pick your own strawberries at many local farms right now, such at Froberg’s and Atkinson. Nothing better than a freshly picked strawberry!
Strawberry Watermelon Refresher
-1 cup of chopped watermelon
-1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries
-1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (may use pure cane sugar if preferred)
-the juice of 1 lime
-handful of ice (optional)
Place all of the items in a blender, and blend until fully smooth. You may drink it just as it is for a smoothie-like texture, or you may strain the pulp for a delicious juice. Want to give it a nutritional boost and make it creamy? Add 2/3 cup of coconut milk.
The benefits: Did you know watermelon is high in Vitamin A, C, and magnesium? All important for pregnancy and postpartum recovery! The high magnesium keeps swelling and cramping down, while the vitamin C helps your body absorb collagen and iron, which is essential for tissue repair. Strawberries also contain high levels of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. So enjoy this refreshing drink knowing that it’s also providing essential nutrients for you and baby.
Upcoming Events, Please Register
Community Walk: Wednesday 4/19 10am Centennial Gardens email to let us know you're coming. Open to everyone!
Evening Pregnancy Circle: 4/19 6pm Finding the strength with Joanna Zepeda
Postpartum Support Circle: 4/20 10-12 Baby Led Weaning & Feeding Clinic
Infant CPR: Saturday 4/22 10- 12 $45 per person MUST REGISTER
HOH Family Circle Meet-up: Saturday 4/22 12:30-3pm All HOH and WHC alumni are welcome to come hang out and catch up with your peeps.
Monday Yoga with Bee!- Monday 4/24 10am donation based for members or $25
RSVP on all Calendar of Events page
New address 6550 Mapleridge Ste 100
Monthly Ongoing Events
Wednesday Virtual Postpartum Support Circle: Second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 10-12 on Zoom. HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. Email Jessica if you need more information.
Thursday In Person Postpartum Support Circle: 10-12 in the community room. Open to current HOH & WHC members. Feeding clinic first and third Thursdays of each month.
Queer Parent Circle: Second Sunday of every month 2-4pm Open to the public.
Parents of School Age Kids Circle: First Sunday of every month 11-1pm Open to the public.
Birth workers Circle: Second Sunday of every month 11am-1:30pm midwives, student midwives, doulas, birth assistants, Obs and L&D nurses are all welcome to attend.
Mindful Movements: First and second Saturday of each month 10:30-12
Yoga with Bee: Every Monday from 10-11am Open to the public members donation based register here.
Various Childbirth Education Curriculums starting soon: Rebel Birth weekend intensive or Bradley Method with Anne Zwicky
That's all for now! Have a great week everyone.
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