Houston Birth Services, Inc - Alice Brayer/Miranda Brayer Klinner

03/26/2020

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR TODAY

😴 Prioritize Sleep — Your Mood and Immune System Are Counting on It

When it comes to taking care of your health and well-being, sleep is always part of the answer. Adequate good-quality sleep keeps your immune system running at its best to fight off infections like the one caused by the new coronavirus. Indeed, there are parts of the body’s immune response that happen only during sleep. Scientists know that sleep is also one of the top ways we can keep stress in check, as sleep deprivation can make us more sensitive to the effects of stress, ramping up our reactions (or overreactions) to stressors. Finally, the brain needs sleep to function: Not getting it can make you less patient and focused, and more moody, irritable, and emotional.

REACH OUT TO US FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR HELP SLEEPING FURING PREGNANCY.

🏋🏼‍♀️ Work. It. Out.

Spending a lot more time at home does not mean you get to be a couch potato. Physical activity not only keeps your body healthy (lowering your risk of chronic health issues as well as your chances of acute illness like COVID-19), it also improves your mood and general well-being. Exercise releases endorphins (hormones that make you feel good!), helps sharpen focus, and aids sleep. Healthy movement is also linked to a lower risk of mood disorders, higher energy levels, and improved mood overall. Talk about a one-two punch against the midafternoon slump.

I AM HERE...FOR ALL MY CLIENTS VIA TRUE COACH APP, VIRTUAL SESSIONS AND JUST BEING THERE FROM A DISTANCE TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGING TO KEEP MOVING.


🧘🏼‍♀️ Take a Few Minutes to Practice Diaphragm Breathing

Calm and measured breathing can have immediate effects on your mental and physical state, whether the tension comes from the relentless news cycle or your ever-present housemates. Do your breathing practice regularly to start or end your day in a positive way, or try it in a moment when you need a little more zen. Need guidance? Certain meditation apps, such as Calm, have free Web-based resources that do exactly this.

SO MANY GREAT APPS TO USE
CALM
HEADSPACE
AND MORE

03/25/2020

Congratulations to Manny and Felicia on our second home birth with them. 💗

02/09/2020

05/05/2019

Beans Are Brain Food

Beans are an excellent source of soluble fiber and good carbohydrate to eat daily. Soluble fiber helps the heart by soaking up cholesterol before having a chance to stick to the artery wall. The cholesterol is then eliminated through normal body functions. Studies show eating high soluble fiber can reduce total cholesterol by 10 to 15 percent and is linked to reduced heart disease.

Black beans contain anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds shown to improve brain function. They contain the highest plant protein rating but must be combined with a grain such as brown rice to create a “complete” protein.

05/04/2019

Broccoli Is the Antioxidant King

Broccoli, a cruciferous carbohydrate is one of the most powerful antioxidants in our dietary toolbox. Broccoli protects our body against cancer and ranks at the top of the superfood list.

Broccoli offers high nutritional value with low caloric cost. It is the most nutrient-dense of the vegetable superfoods. Research has labeled broccoli the king of cancer prevention. Research has shown sulfur compounds in broccoli signal our genes to boost production of detoxifying enzymes. These enzymes potentially attack cancer-causing compounds.

In addition, broccoli also boosts the immune system, supports cardiovascular health, builds bones, and fights birth defects.

05/03/2019

Plain Greek Yogurt Improves Gut Bacteria

Greek Yogurt is known for its probiotic or live beneficial bacteria. Yogurt is shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. It also helps maintain stable ph levels in the body.

Eating yogurt is indicated to boost our immune system and provide protection against diseases like cancer. Probiotics can help with vaginal yeast infections, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and urinary tract infections.

Yogurt is also a great source of bone-building calcium and protein. Not all yogurts are created equal. Look for labeling “live and active cultures” to ensure it contains probiotics. It is also recommended to consume plain over sugared varieties.

05/02/2019

Ground Flaxseeds Reduce Inflammation

Flaxseeds are not only a good source of fiber but also loaded with alpha-linolenic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Flaxseeds also contain lignans, a type of plant compound known as polyphenols. These precursors contribute to reduced rates of certain hormone-related cancers.

Other anti-inflammatory properties of flax seeds have been helpful for acne and asthma conditions. Ground flax is an excellent source of fiber and helps to alleviate digestive problems. Flaxseed is nutrient-dense and a rich source of healthy fat.

Flax is a remarkable superfood full of minerals, incredible fatty acids, and usable protein.

05/01/2019

Green Tea Increases Metabolism

Green tea contains a powerhouse of antioxidants. Its antioxidant values are shown to be higher than those measured in fruits and vegetables.

Green tea contains high doses of catechin, an antioxidant shown to help prevent cell damage in the body. Catechin is indicated to reduce inflammation in the body, which is said to contribute to disease and illness. This powerful antioxidant is shown to reduce high blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Green tea has also been proven to help block the formation of plaques linked to Alzheimer's disease. Other health benefits include increased metabolism for weight loss.

Enjoying high tea just became sweeter—just remember to keep it green.

04/30/2019

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Research might actually confirm that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apples are loaded with antioxidants quercetin and catechin, which protect our cells and help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Note: You can get more fiber and nutrients by eating the skin.

The apple and skin are higher in fiber than a lot of other fruits, improving satiety. Apples taste fabulous, are filling, and provide energy in addition to the overwhelming antioxidant health benefits.

04/29/2019

Oats for Fiber Intake!

Oats are high in soluble fiber and linked to lowering blood pressure and overall cholesterol levels. Oats are a good carbohydrate, and they're rich in beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a powerful soluble fiber that helps to slow the digestion of sugar and keep blood sugar levels under control.

Oats are also a great source of quality plant protein helping with muscle growth and repair. Each ​half-cup serving provides a whopping 10 grams, and many studies have shown eating oatmeal reduces the risk of heart disease.

Power up your day and your body with a bowl of oats—and breakfast aside, it's an excellent pre- or post-workout meal.

04/29/2019

Blueberries Are a Top Antioxidant

In a study of common fruits and vegetables, blueberries contained more antioxidants than over 40 of their competitors. This places the unassuming berry at the top of the list for guarding against cancer, heart disease, dementia, and macular degeneration.

Blueberries also defend against urinary tract infections, thanks to the antioxidant epicatechins. Epicatechins prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. Blueberries are also high in water, providing hydration to the skin and cells of the body.

Eating half a cup of blueberries satisfies one fruit and vegetable serving per day.

12/20/2018

Friendly reminders:

-Please arrive on time for your appointments. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we might not be able to see you, as there are other clients booked.
-If you or your family is sick, please let us know before coming to your appointment, we want avoid spreading it to pregnant women, babies and midwives.
-Children are welcome to appointments, if you bring a snack for them, please make it a clean one, not crumbly or messy.

Thank you for keeping our office running smoothly, healthy and clean 🖤

03/28/2018

Clients of Houston Birth Services...if you have an ultrasound scheduled tomorrow, 03-29-18 or Friday, 03-30-18, and have not received a referral from me...text me. Thanks.

02/28/2018

Watch the trailer for this documentary film about home birth and learn why more doctors and nurses who work in hospitals are choosing to have their own children at home.