The Operation M.I.S.T. Podcast: Tackling the Maternal Health Crisis

At 17 weeks of pregnancy, Marsheila Tillman's water broke. She was advised to end the pregnancy because, "historically, when a woman's water breaks this early, the baby dies within 24-48 hours." She was told that if she continued with the pregnancy, her baby had a 1% chance of survival and she had a 5% chance. She and her husband took that chance believing that, with God, all things are possible, and her baby was delivered vaginally and was born healthy and strong a little after 30 weeks of pregnancy. Listen to her story to hear how she recruited a team of people who provided her with the resources and support she needed, leaned on her faith believing that her baby would have everything she needed to thrive, and made adjustments to her lifestyle to create the ideal internal and external environments to align with her determination to beat the odds. Thanks to Patricia Prime (postpartum doula, lactation consultant, and founder of the nonprofit organization, It Takes a Village-Maternal Health Expo, Inc), we had the privilege of helping Marsheila use her smart device to guide her recovery following delivery and got to experience this miraculous deviation from what science deemed possible.

NICU stays are not easy, but navigating them in your best health is necessary.

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

"Your placenta is dead. It's calcified. Your body is trying to tell you this pregnancy needs to be over."

"You didn't bring your bag in to this appointment? Aren't you optimistic? Now you're going to leave and come back-don't you know that you could sit on your cord and since your waters are all dried up, you could lose your baby and not know it?"

"Dry births are extremely painful. I don't recommend it."

"We know your baby is big and you're going to deal with dystocia...it's best to just let us get the baby out."

"Your baby is not responding well to the epidural (within 30 minutes of administering it) so you need to make the decision that is best for the both of you and just let us take the baby."

"You are only three centimeters dilated even though your contractions are five minutes apart. Your body is telling you that it doesn't want to have a vaginal delivery." Over the course of four days, this mom had to try to labor while being told the statements above by the residents in the hospital. Luckily, she had all the information she needed to make informed decisions, a team of people to support her outside of her OB, angels within her hospital system who encouraged her along the way and the resilience to do what she knew was best despite her immediate environment.

She went on to deliver a healthy average-sized baby vaginally with no complications. I am grateful to the moms who entrust us with their motherhood journeys and ultimately, with their lives. Although medical intervention has become more commonplace during pregnancy and delivery over the years, agreeing to intervention can sometimes be the difference between life and death; between recovering well and having complications; between living a healthy life and running into health and quality of life issues years down the line. For example, since more blood is lost following a cesarean delivery than during a vaginal one, and one of the top reasons women die following delivery is from bleeding too much, it is important to us that moms only undergo c-sections when it’s absolutely necessary to do so.

Monitoring is one thing, but having the education, resources, relationships and ability to advocate for yourself combined with the data is another thing altogether. For any mom who read this post who was triggered by it, please forgive me; these stories and your stories need to be told. In that way, women can know that when they choose to trust their design, they should not be made to feel bad about doing so. They can also know what they may encounter when trying to deliver their baby. Not all experiences are like this, but you'd be surprised by how many there are. If you are pregnant and would like someone to walk your motherhood journey with you, please visit www.operationmist.org to learn how we can support you. If you are not pregnant, but are supporting someone who is, please advocate for them when you can. It is hard to labor and fight at the same time.

Gwen’s birth story is one of the most empowering ones I’ve ever heard and her journey to and through it started years before she got the delivery room.

We have had the privilege of walking alongside Gwen as she, with the discipline of a marathon runner and the unmatched support of her family and husband/best friend, Nick,

-recovered from the effects of preeclampsia following her first delivery

-lost 30 pounds

-got off of her blood pressure medicine

-changed her diet

-swapped providers until she found one who was equally passionate about her having the VBAC they desired

-moved to be closer to their OB and other supportive family members when her due date neared

Listen in as she explains how the support of her village and the use of her smart watch helped her have the birthing experience of her dreams.

From hiding the fact that her foley bulb fell out so she could get some much needed rest to waiting until her team was distracted to breathe her baby girl down, she felt and was in control and empowered every step of the way.

And the icing on the cake was that her OB celebrated alongside her with equal enthusiasm as she vaginally delivered her second child.

Gwen is a blessing to Operation M.I.S.T.

She is a blessing to everyone she encounters.

She is a testament of what is possible when faith, support, and self-discipline coexist.

More than a MIST Mom-she is a dear friend and lifelong sister. Having this conversation with her yielded many laughs and many tears. It was deeply fulfilling on so many levels.

If you are considering having a vaginal birth after having preeclampsia followed by a cesarean birth, her story is a must listen.

If you're not, but just want to hear a love story within a birth story, you are invited to listen as her story will, without a doubt, give you chills and fill you with inexplicable joy.

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

If you are having issues with fertility or with your cycle in general or know someone who is, please listen to and share this episode.

In it, Alexis Brooks, Registered Dietician gets specific about:

 -the foods you should eat and avoid and why

-how sleep and day-to-day choices impact our cycles and ability to get pregnant

-the DUTCH test and how it can be used to get insight into hormonal balance

-how intermittent fasting, plant-based diets, alcohol, and intense exercise may be negatively impacting fertility

-how a sugar budget can work wonders for health and fertility

On a personal note, Alexis Brooks has helped countless women within and outside of Operation M.I.S.T. both directly and indirectly.

In addition to her extensive knowledge, she delivers the information in a way that is individualized, but not overwhelming; direct and, at the same time, loving.

She believes the best way to see improvement is by helping women figure out what they can add to their lifestyles instead of focusing on what needs to be eliminated.

Her approach is magical and her results are undeniable.

To connect with the best dietician in the industry and get free guides for navigating endometriosis and improving fertility, visit her at connectwithalexisbrooks.com or find her on IG, Facebook, and TicToc at alexisbrooksnutrition.

 *If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are helping women show up to pregnancy planned and prepared through our More Than A Period Parties, and monitoring mother's vital signs remotely between doctor's visits for healthier pregnancies, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

On at least three different occasions, this precious mom was given the option to abort her baby after he was diagnosed with Trisomy 18/Edward's syndrome. She was told that he would likely die during delivery or shortly afterwards. She decided not to abort and does not regret her decision. Listen to this podcast to hear a story of strength, resolve, dedication, genuineness, sacrifice, generosity, and the love of a mother. Listen to how she navigated her pregnancy and delivery and learn how you can support someone who has experienced loss. Recovery and healing needs to take place following the loss of a child no matter when it takes place. We were and still are truly humbled to support this sweet mom as she navigates life moving forward.

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on Instagram @operationmist.

After having her first baby via cesarean delivery, Pamela Barner was told she had a 4% chance of a uterine rupture with her second. What she heard was that she had a 96% chance of uterus not rupturing.

Her uterus did rupture, however and so did her bladder; and contrary to what one would expect, she did not feel pain at all while it was happening.

After her second child, she was told she shouldn’t have another baby. She decided to get a second opinion and she birthed her third child six years later without complications.

In her story, you hear her indecision about the role Pitocin played in her uterus rupturing, how team work between the nurse and surgeon prevented her baby from being injured during delivery, and how she was able to take a calculated risk because her healthcare provider gave her all the information she needed to make an informed decision.

Although she birthed three children, she is a mother to many and her advice to everyone listening is to know your body!

*If you are interested in learning more about your body or about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website: https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist

LaPortia's job denied her short term disability despite her having heart palpitations, being unable to feel her left leg or arm, get dressed by herself, or walk without a cane. -She took off without pay. Her high blood pressure was ignored by the hospital and emergency room staff on multiple occasions following delivery. -Her MIST monitor connected her with an OBGYN who was not in her area who connected her with a provider who got her the medicine she needed. Her hands were so swollen at one point that she couldn't pump to provide breast milk for her baby. Her doctor told her it was just a part of being pregnant. -She hired a physical therapist to help. Her headache that resulted from an epidural was written off as a migraine for almost a week following delivery. -Her M.I.S.T. monitor helped her advocate for herself so she could get it repaired. Despite all of this and combined with a previous infant loss, she declared, "My cries and tears were seen and heard for miles, but my PRAISE WILL BE LOUDER." Listen to this conversation and hear how this woman survived pregnancy and the postpartum period with sheer determination, the help of her loving family, the support of her self-selected healthcare team, and the good deeds of selfless providers who did not know her. She also declares that she lived and she did not die because of Operation M.I.S.T. To prevent moms from experiencing needless deaths, we have to be willing to fight for their lives. If you need support along your journey, please reach out. Because of this MIST mom, we have been dubbed the MIST Mafia so rest assured that we can help :) *If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

One provider made assumptions based on her age and made her feel like "she was the old maid who couldn't have a baby."

The one she swapped to let her know he delivered babies from women who were way older than her so he wasn't going to make her age an issue.

With the knowledge of her having a miscarriage on Mother's Day weekend during her first pregnancy, her cousin referred her to Operation M.I.S.T. when she got pregnant the second time around.

In her words, "at Operation M.I.S.T., not only are you monitoring vitals, but you're giving women hope and positive manifestations of what is to come. You all gave me my voice. You all gave me hope. This is our MIST baby."

In this episode, you will hear Keshia talk about the importance of choosing the right birthing team, the power of accepting help, and the adjustments she made throughout her pregnancy to show up to delivery and the postpartum period in her best health.

If you know someone who is worried about having a baby in her forties, please share this episode with her.

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

Strong...Amazing...Free...These are the three words MIST Mom Haley used to describe her birth following her second delivery! She felt like there was nothing she couldn't do!

Following her first delivery, she described her experience as unplanned and out of control; she felt sad. She said she had a textbook pregnancy, but then "on game day, everything went left."

In her words, the biggest difference between the first and second birthing experiences were the education she received and the people she had on her team. We are so grateful that she chose to allow Operation M.I.S.T. to be on her team!

In this episode, you will hear (in her words) how God be Goddin', how she received "beauty for ashes" and what she did to have a vaginal birth following a c-section delivery.

For wedding, maternity, engagement and commercial photos, please reach out to Haley at www.ynotimages.com.

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

Starlynn was given a life expectancy of 38 months last June after a long battle with postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Listen to learn the symptoms that she was experiencing early postpartum that were ignored at multiple ER visits. 

She finished her degree and is currently fulfilling her dream of being a teacher. She continues to raise her now 5 year old son and teach with a joy that surpasses all understanding. 

We are joining in her belief that “it will get greater later!” Since the recording of this episode, Starlyn had an LVAD placed. We are in faith that her heart transplant is coming! 

Facebook support group for those with PPCM https://www.facebook.com/groups/17931387304/?ref=share (https://www.facebook.com/groups/17931387304/?ref=share)

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

In this episode, co hosts Drs Jessica and Katherine, interview their colleague and MIST mom, Dr. Amber Holmes. This episode is filled with real-ness and giggles as we unpack her journey from a 2nd trimester miscarriage, unexpected second pregnancy, navigating the maternal healthcare system without insurance, birth, and critical health changes postpartum. You will hear how having the guidance and surveillance of Operation M.I.S.T. in addition to the education from our monthly meetings empowered her to have a successful birth and even consider having another one! You want to grab your popcorn and your friends to listen to this episode! There is a surprise segment in the end!

Show Amber some love via her email holmesamber12@gmail.com.

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

Did you know that you don't have to give birth in the hospital or your home? There is a happy medium in birth centers and they have great statistics on birth outcomes to prove it. In this episode, co host and founder of Operation MIST, Katherine, interviews certified nurse midwife, Stephanie Curtis, on her experience working with moms. 

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

In this episode, listeners get to listen to MIST mom, Gwen's, birth story without Operation MIST and postpartum story with our guidance from the perspective of her husband, Nick. With unexpected turns in their pregnancy, their story proves how important it is to have an active non-birthing partner. Stop excluding dads from the pregnancy and postpartum conversation! Their role can help save the day!

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.

You already know how much we love our M.I.S.T. moms, but we adore M.I.S.T. dads. They are truly the unsung heroes of this birth thing. Tionna and Mark are a couple who is no stranger to this baby game. On their third pregnancy, they allowed us at Operation M.I.S.T. to be a part of their journey. Listen to hear how being educated, informed, and monitored empowered them to have peace even when their birth plans didn't go as desired. 

Blooper alert: Listen til the end to hear ;)

*If you are interested in learning more about Operation M.I.S.T. and how we are monitoring mothers remotely between doctor's visits to detect complications faster to promote healthier pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum journeys, please head to our website https://www.operationmist.org/ and follow us on instagram @operationmist.