The Weekly Newsletter for Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Families
Happy Dr. MLK day friends! As a queer Chicana/Latina mother raising brown kiddos, one of the responsibilities I take very seriously is raising antiracist kids, equipping them with tools to continue the fight against injustice and empowering them to embrace their cultural identities. Seems a lot to ask of a six and three year old doesn't it? It really isn't and it's something that has always been a part of our list of family values since before we had children. We try hard to keep things as age appropriate as we can but the reality is that these conversations are not optional for us, they are very necessary. We are a household of books for every topic so I figured I would share some of our favorites on this important day. Do you have a list of books you've used to begin the conversation around race with your children? Let us know in the comments!
4 Badass board books for babies:
The world lost a bit of magic when bell hooks passed late last year, but I love that my girls are already familiar with her work from reading Skin Again. Ibram X Kendi is also a personal favorite of mine and Anitracist Baby is a great way to introduce activism as a family. All Are Welcome and a little book about racism are both visually beautiful books to introduce language around diversity and inclusion. Check out these titles at your local library or visit a local independent bookstore to purchase for your personal library. They also make awesome baby shower gifts!
Over the weekend
Midwife Mary lead pregnancy group this weekend and discussed what happens when plans have to change before or during labor. Because we have privileges at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women we are able to accompany our clients if a change of venue is necessary. Continuity of care is so important when you're working so hard to bring your baby earthside. Feeling safe and heard has been shown to be in the top indicators of birth outcome satisfaction. In the event that your plans have to change, your Heart of Houston team will continue your care because that just how we roll.
Babywearing 101
I'm super excited to introduce the community to our guest at this week's Wednesday Postpartum Group! Angelique Geehan has been THE babywearing expert in Houston for as long as I've been doing doula work. She taught me how to wear my babies with every type of wrap and carrier I could find. Not gonna lie, she's partially responsible for my addiction to babywearing gear which has resulted in stockpile of ring slings and woven wraps I can't bring myself to get rid of even though we are DONE having babies. Angelique will join us in person on Wednesday January 19th so bring your gear and anyone else who wants to learn how to wear a baby safely. Group is open to current HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. We will be hosting a full Babywearing 101 class on Saturday February 26th from 10am-12. This class will be open to the public.
This weekend
There is still time to sign up for this weekend's Infant CPR class. Contact the instructor, Gail Gould, with any questions. This will be in person and masks are required. This class is open to the public and is $45 per participant. Sunday January 23rd from 12-2pm.
We'll follow the CPR course with our Partner's event in place of the usual Sunday Pregnancy Group. This week we are welcoming recently delivered HOH couples back to chat with expectant couple about their birth experiences and tips for the early days of postpartum. This is a private event for HOH clients and Whole Heart Collective members. To become part of our community check out our membership page.
Upcoming Events
Postpartum Support Group: Wednesday 1/19 10am Babywearing expert Angelique Geehan will join us for a babywearing 101/ Q&A session so please bring all your questions and gear!
Take a Walk PP Support Group : Sabine street Water Works: Thursday 1/20 at 10am
Infant CPR: January 23, noon- 2pm. $45 a person, masks required please email Gail Gould at cprandsafetylady at gmail dot com to make payment, RSVP here.
Partner's Event: January 23, 2:30-5pm Expectant partners chat with new parents about the ins and outs of life with a newborn.
Latch Clinic: Now on Zoom Wednesday 2/2 10am, Leah Jolly IBCLC will join our weekly postpartum support group to answer your feeding questions. We have breakout rooms now so you can spend a few min in private with Leah if necessary.
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, Birth Bootcamp.
That's all for now! Have a great week everyone.
