The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Center Families and Friends
Happy Nurse/Midwife/Mother's day!
Well, it's official. We've reached the, "feels like living in someone's mouth" weather in Houston. Hot, humid, and well, just gross. The month of May signals the end of school and the start of summer break. Those of us with school-age kiddos are gearing up for the relentless demands for snacks and entertainment. Folks with new babies and toddlers are getting a taste of that right now! And while the older they get the better they are at letting us know what they want, the needs pretty much stay the same. Feed me. Pay attention to me. Three weeks to go friends. Enjoy the silence while you can!!
Thursday the 5th was International Day of the Midwife and I just want to take a minute to thank all of the midwives out there for their gifts and the care they give to so many. Over the years I've had the privilege to work with so many incredible midwives and I'm so grateful for all their wisdom and guidance along the way. I'm especially grateful to Mary, Bethany, and Rowan for making Heart of Houston a safe space for folks to find their footing on their journey into parenthood.
Sunday was Mother's Day and we were lucky enough to support a POWERFUL mama welcome her sweet baby girl into the world on such a special day. Never is a mother's love for their baby as evident as it is when their baby goes off-script during labor. This family doesn't skip a beat to do whatever they need to to bring their baby safely earthside. It was such an honor laboring with you!
This week is also National Nurses Week. We recently brought our kickass nurse Rachel on full-time because we aren't quite sure how we got this far without her! Be sure to gush over her at your next visit because she hates that so, of course, I think it's hilarious.
AND, since our beloved Mary Love is the superstar Nurse-Midwife-Mama trifecta, I figured this would be a great time to introduce you to her once again. Take a moment to read all about Mary and her journey to midwifery.
Baby and Me Yoga
Thursday's Postpartum support group will now gather in person. Wednesdays will be online except for once or twice a month when we'll do Latch Clinic/Feeding Clinic in person. I'm really excited to be back in person for a few reasons, baby snuggles of course, but also I keep hearing how much better everyone feels when they get out of the house. To be sure, many folks are still being cautious about how much indoor time they do with newborns but folks are also starting to dabble in group activities. Last week the folks at Elle Fitness in the Heights dropped by for a quick yoga session with our babies and their sidekicks, their mamas. We are looking forward to having guest speakers once or twice a month during group so let me know who you want to hear from most.
New on the Calendar
This topic of this weekend's pregnancy circle is one of our Core Classes. Myself and Leah Jolly, IBCLC will discuss what to expect in the first 48hrs of life with a newborn. The class will begin with an overview of newborn characteristics and behaviors, followed by a guide to initiating breast/chest-feeding and partner support tips.
Sunday the 22nd's pregnancy circle will be taken over by HOH members! A few of our postpartum folks have offered to have a show and tell of sorts for those of you who've yet to experience the joys of pumping. Our members will have the three most popular breast pumps and tips for finding the one that works best for your lifestyle. Partners and support folks are welcome to join. Please RSVP!
We've also added another Momma Strong event specifically for postpartum fitness. Check out the flyer and let us know if you're coming!
Meet Kinara Janai, CPM
Please welcome our newest birth assistant Kinara Janai, CPM. Kinara is a recently licensed midwife and joined our team in April as a birth assistant. We are excited to have her on our team this summer and look forward to watching her grow a practice here in Houston. Friends, meet Kinara!
"Hey! I’m Kinara Janai (she/her) a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and owner of Deeply Rooted Birth Services. I became aware of my calling in 2015 when my aunt mentioned the word “midwife” and it was like a seed was immediately planted. Entering my first apprenticeship I felt so much love and connection to serving birthing people. Working with black midwives I soon realized my calling was deeper than “loving on clients” I had a duty to serve my community-to fight the racially charged maternal mortality rates that black birthers are facing. I am soft spoken and gentle but the fire and dedication to protect, serve and empower my community is loud and fierce. There is something so magical about witnessing the transition from pregnant to parent. I have adopted the phrase “I’m here to hold the parent not the baby”. My favorite part of midwifery is space holding and validation. Something we don’t get often enough, someone to just listen and allow you to fully express yourself. I had the honor of working with grand midwife Afua Hassan, who taught me so much about midwifery and myself. She would say “you are the captain, your partner is co-captain and I’m the advisor”. Witnessing her trust in the birthing process and the connection the had with the unborn babies was inspiring. Afua also was intentional to stay connected with clients throughout postpartum. This is where most black maternal issues arise and because of that I invite my clients to become family and always stay ‘Deeply Rooted’ in themselves and their village. The community had a huge loss when Afua transition in 2021. I vow to do my part-to do the work- to keep showing up for you because you deserve it. In my free time I am connection with nature and loving on my family. I look forward to meeting and serving Houston!"
And finally, the Birthday Bulletin!
Upcoming Events
Our calendar will look much fuller when we get into our new space!
Latch Clinic/ Feeding Support: Wednesday 5/11 10-12pm on ZOOM
Postpartum Support Group : Thursday 5/12 9:30-11:30 IN PERSON
Stretch and Dance for Birth: Saturday 5/14 10:00-12 IN PERSON
Pregnancy Group Core Class : Newborn Care and First 48hrs of Breastfeeding with Leah Jolly, IBCLC Sunday May 15th 2pm-4pm IN PERSON
Pregnancy Peer Circle: Pumping Tips Sunday May 22nd 2-4pm IN PERSON
Momma Strong Postpartum Dos and Don'ts Saturday 6/4th 10-12pm $50 person Must Register
Infant CPR: Saturday 6/11 10-12pm $45 a person. Please read event details to register
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.
Latch Clinic: Twice a month during Postpartum group. Keep an eye on schedule for specifics
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.
