After a traumatic birth experience in Cleveland, Ohio at a well-known hospital, I honestly thought I might become a statistic. I am an educator who has a passion for health disparities, especially in physical therapy and Black maternal health. Being a professor and woman of color, I thought that I would be able to advocate for myself to ensure a good birthing experience, but that wasn’t the case. I take great care of my body and was in great health. I had a birthing plan. I was at one of the best hospitals in the country. There was no way anything could go wrong, right? But my eyes were completely opened to the fact that no one is immune to this reality. My lived experience taught me that I could have in fact died during childbirth and I’m certain that countless other families have learned this very painful lesson. 

On my second pregnancy, with hopes to cultivate a better birthing experience, I returned to my previous OB who is a woman of color and was monitored by the MIST Team during my pregnancy and postpartum. The Garmin and the MIST team gave me the support and information I needed to ensure a better experience. I was being monitored daily on the dashboard, had a sturdy foundation of education, and support was built through zoom and phone calls. The team’s legacy building and increased vigilance of women of color addresses disparities and the Black maternal health crisis. 

I am so thankful they were a puzzle piece to me in having a better birthing experience. I can’t be more proud or inspired by the MIST team. Thank you for making me a better mother, centering the voices of Black mamas, enhancing community and national research on black maternal health, and most importantly, for supporting Black mothers in one of the most important times of their lives. 

MIST Mom Dr. Briana Partee, PT, DPT, Ohio

I am so thankful for Operation M.I.S.T.! I was diagnosed with preeclampsia during my pregnancy and had to deliver my son at 33 weeks. I have struggled with managing my blood pressure and finding my new normal (diet & exercise plan that will not agitate my blood pressure) ever since delivery. I felt like nothing was working regardless of what I did under the instruction of my primary care doctor. Postpartum recovery can be hard and it can be even harder/longer without proper care & knowledge that is needed for recovery. 

Since joining Operation M.I.S.T., I now feel properly equipped to combat the challenges that have come since my pregnancy and with recovery. I have learned more about myself and my body in 3 months with Operation M.I.S.T. than I did during my entire pregnancy. The knowledge and understanding they provide helped me make the proper adjustments in my lifestyle to come off of my blood pressure medications under the guidance of a cardiologist. They go above and beyond to listen to every concern. They help you break down your daily routine to identify what could be contributing to your problems. What I love the most about them is that there is nothing too small; the more detail the better. 

I also love the way they welcome and address every concern and provide reassurance that you are not alone. They gently remind you to give yourself grace in the process. Their compassion and dedication to this operation are unmatched. If you feel like you are just another number at your doctor’s office or that your concerns are not being heard when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, or post pregnancy, then this program is for you. You are not alone and you will never feel alone in this process with Operation M.I.S.T.

MIST Mom Gwen Ndetti, Georgia

You guys gave me the courage to speak up for myself because before MIST, I probably wouldn’t have. I just feel like y’all are family now. Miss Genesis Elise is our MIST baby.

MIST Mom LaKeisha McKenney, Mississippi-gave birth at 43

To be a MIST Mom is to be supported. You have someone who is walking alongside the journey with you. I’m so glad you all reminded me that my body was made to do this. Thank you for the constant encouragement and affirmations through this journey. GOD DID IT Y’ALL. He gets all the glory. I’m so thankful for a successful VBAC.

MIST Mom Haley Minifield, Alabama

Operation M.I.S.T. helped detect my preeclampsia early and between office visits by reaching out when my data changed and asking questions about my symptoms. I went to the hospital due to their recommendation and was formally diagnosed there. After being discharged and told that I would “be back soon with preeclampsia with severe features,” but with no guidance otherwise, Operation M.I.S.T. helped me and my husband keep my internal and external stressors down and add other healthcare professionals to our team so I could keep our baby in as long as possible. I stayed pregnant for an additional 5 weeks and two days and did not develop severe features; instead, I went on to deliver a healthy baby girl. My husband and I are grateful for Operation M.I.S.T. helping us feel empowered, supported and secure during what was one of the scariest times of our lives.

MIST Mom Dionne McCormick, Georgia

Meet Zakai Daniels, another one of many Operation M.I.S.T. success stories! For 10 days, the Operation M.I.S.T. team talked my cousin through what to say and how to mentally, emotionally and spiritually resist the relentless scare tactics and unnecessary interventions that a Newark, NJ hospital tried to throw at my cousin to convince her that she couldn’t deliver via VBAC. Despite my cousin’s doula throwing the towel in, Operation M.I.S.T. did not. I firmly stand by this organization and what they do for mothers and their families to reduce the maternal death, injury and cesarean rates that so many of our mothers of color fall victim to. Thank you for your time, love and unwavering support to our family.

MIST family member, Dr. Rebeca Segraves, PT, DPT

“I love being a MIST Mom! I am a first-time mom to an almost 18 month old and I’m so grateful for the wealth of support, information and love that I get from the M.I.S.T. family. I’ve become so much more aware of my body and my power as it relates to giving birth and being well afterwards.” 

MIST Mom Monique May, Georgia