The Mrs. The Mommy. The M.D.

What Happened to My Instagram and Facebook Accounts

2026-02-16T14:05:00.001-05:00

Many of you have asked where my Instagram and Facebook pages went. Back in November, my accounts were suddenly disabled after a linked account was incorrectly flagged for violating community standards. Meta later confirmed that account actually did follow the rules, but my platforms were still taken down again shortly after, without explanation.

For 15+ years, my Instagram and Facebook accounts have been where I’ve shared maternal health education, advocacy, and pieces of my real life in medicine and motherhood — so losing them has been both professionally and personally hard.

I’m currently going through the formal review process and hopeful this will be resolved with a full human review. In the meantime, thank you for the messages, patience, and continued support. This community has always been bigger than any one platform.

I’ll keep you updated as I learn more, and in the meantime, you can always find me here on the blog (where is all started), and very reluctantly... now on TikTok.

Clear Truths in Quiet Seasons

2026-02-14T09:40:00.002-05:00

2025 has carried some of the most isolating seasons of my adult life - moments that stretched me, and continue to stretch me, personally and professionally in ways I never anticipated. I am learning what it means to stand alone differently, and if I’m honest, it’s uncomfortable. It’s quiet. It asks more of me than I ever imagined I had to give. Yet within that stillness, I’m rediscovering something steady and undeniable: I can rely on myself.

We don’t talk enough about the journey back to yourself after chasing the “dream job,” the polished vision of motherhood, the weight of being the “good eldest daughter,” the dependable big sister, or the partner you believed you were supposed to be. There is a real grief in realizing that some roles don’t hold you the way you hoped they would, but there is also a deep freedom in loosening your grip on expectations that were never meant to define you.

Being back here feels different. Grounded. Familiar in a way I didn’t recognize at first. It's like returning to a home that was never a physical place, but a version of me I had quietly been searching for all along.

I was always that girl. Even in rooms where I wasn’t fully seen. Even in seasons that tried to convince me otherwise.

I am strong.

I am brilliant.

And it is never too late to fight for yourself.

MLK Day

2026-01-19T19:04:00.008-05:00

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often remembered for his words about dreams, but he was equally committed to action.

His work challenged systems, disrupted comfort, and demanded accountability from institutions that were failing people.

That matters deeply to me as a physician.

Healthcare, at its best, is an expression of justice.

At its worst, it reflects the very inequities Dr. King warned us about - unequal access, unheard voices, and outcomes that depend more on zip code or race than biology.

Dr. King once said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”

Decades later, that statement still lands with uncomfortable accuracy.

Honoring Dr. King means asking hard questions:

Who feels safe seeking care?
Whose pain is believed?
Who benefits from our systems—and who is burdened by them?

It also means acting on the answers.

For me, that action looks like advocating for maternal health equity, mentoring future physicians who will serve marginalized communities, and refusing to accept “this is how it’s always been” as an answer.

MLK Day is not just a remembrance.

It’s a responsibility.

The dream survives only if we keep building it - one policy, one patient, one courageous conversation at a time.

Happy King Day.

New Year Musings

2026-01-01T15:13:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I’m starting this new year quietly and slowly with cozy in PJs, wrapped in a soft blanket, surrounded by my family, and a journal in hand. Maybe a little football, too, because this Wolverine in Indiana can’t help but root for the state school in the Rose Bowl today.

2025 was heavy for so many of us. But as I scrolled through my camera roll {while making my TikTok post, of course}, I noticed that even in the heaviness, there were moments of joy and for those, I am deeply grateful.

This past year really made me lean into the saying: “Two things can be true at once.”

I can feel sadness for the time that slips away while cherishing the memories that will always remain in my heart, and at the same time, I can feel excitement for what the future holds.

I can be angry about things that happened and still hold space for the lessons that are shaping me into someone stronger.

I can continue fighting for what I know is right, but not yet so, and I can also pause to celebrate my wins.

God is so good to me.

Right now, three things are bringing me joy:

Family time. I am truly most content at home, with my people, in our little bubble.
Cat-eye nail polish. Any color version—I’m obsessed.
Olivia Dean. Anything by her, but “Lady, Lady” is on constant repeat. And the music video? Makes me love it even more.

Here’s to a new year filled with space for all our truths, big and small.

Three things...

2025-12-04T08:47:00.002-05:00

What’s Got Me Fired Up Lately

Some days the world feels like it’s running on chaos and caffeine, and lately a few things have my spirit in full “oh absolutely not” mode:

This administration. (Insert long, exhausted sigh here.) Trying not to "get weary in well-doing". But having to try so hard to make others see how the things happening all around us are human rights violations is breaking my heart.
The ongoing birth injustice in the U.S. I shared my reaction to a heartbreaking video here—and honestly, I’m still carrying it.
Losing my Instagram and Facebook accounts. #SilentOrSILENCED (bonus points if you catch the reference)

What’s Filling Me Back Up

But even with all of that swirling, there are still things that refill me like a slow pour of something warm and grounding:

Spending the holiday season with my family and friends. Nothing makes me feel more loved.
Exercise. Makes me feel strong - physically and mentally.
Belly laughs. The kind that hit the reset button on your whole nervous system.
Slow mornings and actual days off. Freedom tastes like coffee and quiet.
Affirmation at work. When a patient says, “Thank you, I was so nervous and you made me feel better,” or “I’m so glad it’s you” when I walk in the room. Those moments make me feel needed, valued, and exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Things I’m Excited to Share

A few women I’ve admire—women whose words and work have shaped so much of my own—have books on the way:

Tara Jefferson, the OG mommy blogger who helped inspire MrsMommyMD, just released Bloom How You Must. Go get it.

Dr. Kemi Doll, who I had the privilege of learning under at UNC during her Gyn Onc fellowship, is releasing A Terrible Strength this spring (available for preorder now).

Nedra Glover Tawwab. Anything she writes, I’m reading. And yes, she has another book coming soon.

That’s all for now.

Even in the chaos, even when things feel uncertain, joy still finds a way to sit beside us all.

Where’s mine? See above.

Where’s yours?

Doing the Most at the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit: Cowboy Carter!

2025-05-21T17:00:00.027-04:00

Nobody is more ambitious about plan than Jasmine 3–6 months out from an event 😅

Over a year ago, I was invited to be speaking faculty at Pinnacle Conference 2025—a TED-style talk on Advocating for Black Maternal Health.

Then in February, Nate scored us Beyoncé tickets through the Ticketmaster lottery 🙌🏾… only catch? The concert was the Thursday going into Pinnacle weekend.

I told myself it would just make the weekend even more exciting! Right? 😅

Fast forward to this past week and I found myself wondering (yet again) why I do this to myself: maximum ambition, minimum time.

But last week, I pulled together my concert look AND finalized my talk outfit, all while rehearsing my 30-minute talk daily, seeing patients, answering emails, meeting with students, coordinating childcare, and packing for Austin. Whew.

Then… 48 hours before the concert, I found out I wouldn’t have my presenter notes on screen (my comfort zone!!). I almost told Nate to sell the tickets 😩

But we went. And THEN—we arrive in Chicago and… there’s a tornado watch 🌪️ The concert gets delayed, and by hour 2 I’m thinking, “Beyoncé, girl, just let us know if it's cancelled so I can go to bed...”

We waited out the storm with thousands of new friends at Soldier Field. And y’all… THE SHOW. WAS. EVERYTHING. Start to finish, I was in awe. No notes needed. A true masterclass.

We didn’t leave until 1:30am. I was at the airport by 7:30am feeling raggedy - like that Bratz doll meme 😮‍💨

And then—I got to Austin and channeled the energy of the Queen herself and gave my talk with heart, fire, and purpose.

Because when the moment comes… we show up and we SLAY.

Can't wait to share more about my talk soon but in the meantime, here are some of my faves from the concert. You can find the rest on my instagram. 💫

Four Years In: Reflection, Growth, and the Work Still Ahead

2025-05-09T12:00:00.030-04:00

This September marks four years since I officially stepped into my role as an academic faculty Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician.

Recently, I found myself rereading a post I wrote back in 2013 about my third-year OB/GYN clerkship. It is amazing how so much can change and stay the same at the very same time. The heart of the work, the calling, the joy, and even the tension—it’s all still there, just expressed through new experiences and responsibilities.

By the Numbers

I never feel like I have done enough, or I underestimate what I have done, so sometimes it helps to quantify the journey. Here’s a snapshot of the past four years:

>1,000 pregnant patients cared for (and double or triple that if you count the babies)
17 invited lectures and talks (soon to be 18!)
16 weeks on call
8 papers published
6 conferences attended
3 clinical sites served
2 local committee appointments
2 national committee appointments
2 awarded grants
2 research projects as primary investigator (PI)
1 board certification
1 directorship in medical student affairs
1 legislative testimony delivered

Whew. She’s been busy—and yes, she has the receipts.

The Clinical Core

Clinically, I find joy and purpose in supporting people through the ups and downs of pregnancy. Pregnancy is rarely simple—emotionally, physically, or socially. Every patient brings a new challenge and a new opportunity to learn. As our healthcare systems evolve (and sometimes struggle), the complexity of clinical care seems to grow year by year.

I aim to be a source of steadiness and clarity, helping patients feel informed and empowered to make decisions right for them and their families. It is a job that I do not ever take lightly and feeling the weight of that responsibility can be so heavy at times.

It is why the residents know me as the attending who ends her service weeks by buying herself a present...hey, there are worse ways to deal with stress, right?! #TreatYoSelf

The #BlackGirlMagic call team during my last service week

Advocacy: Still Speaking the Truth

In my advocacy work, I continue to focus on the Black maternal health crisis. One thing I didn’t anticipate early in my career was how often I’d still be explaining the same truths: that the structures and systems in our country directly impact health. That inequity is not theoretical—it’s lived. That centering the needs of the most vulnerable helps improve outcomes for everyone.

Despite that, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the platforms I’ve been given. Public speaking still makes me nervous (thank goodness for propranolol!), but I’ve learned to channel that nervous energy into purpose. If sharing my expertise and lived experience can move us even one step closer to equity, I’ll keep showing up.

Speaking on a panel about using data to advance health equity

Indiana ACOG 2025

Supporting the Future of Medicine

I also didn’t expect that I would have a formal role in medical student education—or how meaningful that work would become.

Suture lesson

Last month, I had one of those full-circle moments. I helped "coat" our newest third-year medical students during their White Coat Ceremony—a rite of passage that signals the beginning of their clinical journey. Watching them step into their future reminded me of my own white coat ceremony, my own dreams, my own fears.

And it reminded me how far I’ve come.

White Coat Ceremony 2025

The Quiet Question

Here’s something else I didn’t expect: that after all the training, all the sleepless nights on call, all the sacrifices—there would still be a small, persistent voice inside asking: Am I enough?

During training, medicine feels like the center of your universe. But once you emerge from that intense orbit, you begin to realize that what truly matters has nothing to do with titles, publications, or accolades. What matters is:

The love of your family and friends
Your sense of self
Your integrity and call to serve

These are the constants. These are the things that ground me—through every triumph, every challenge, and every new chapter.

Thanks for reading. Whether you're just starting your journey in medicine or you’re deep into your own version of the work, I hope you know: reflection is powerful, rest is necessary, and growth is ongoing. Here’s to continuing the work—with purpose, with joy, and with grace.

xo.

Life Lately and Showing Up—Even When It's Not Perfect

2025-05-02T10:20:00.009-04:00

So it’s officially been over a year since I wrote that “I’m back!” post—and clearly, your girl did not follow through on making this space a regular thing. 😅 Life has been… a lot. Full, messy, beautiful, overwhelming—and I'm learning (sometimes the hard way) to extend myself grace, even when I fall short of my own intentions.

But here’s the thing: instead of doing my usual - sitting in the guilt of what I didn’t do - I’m choosing to show up today. Because it’s never too late to begin again. So—hi. 👋🏽 I really do miss this part of me.

You might be wondering, “So… what’s been going on?”

Honestly? A lot. I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last post. I’ve poured energy into my family, my friends, my patients, my students, and my advocacy—and while I haven’t written much here, I’ve been sharing little glimpses over on Instagram. That’s where I’ve managed to be a tiny bit more present, so feel free to catch up there if you’re curious about the in-between.

But let’s talk about 2025, because we all have to start somewhere.

At home, things are moving at the fastest pace imaginable. The Johnson household is a whirlwind of school runs, sports, laughter, and late-night chats. Nate and Isabelle are thriving, and I am doing my best to soak in every single moment. I didn’t expect to be having this much fun with them at this stage—and it’s been one of the sweetest surprises of motherhood so far.

Nate II is 16—a whole sophomore in high school (!!) and officially a licensed driver this week. This milestone hit me in the heart in so many ways. I’ve been praying over his safety and protection since the day he got his permit, and now here we are… He’s a careful, thoughtful driver, but whew—this mama heart is definitely feeling the stretch. Letting go just enough to let him grow, while still holding space to protect and guide. As we move into the summer, we are making college lists, planning football camps, and I am always thinking about the lessons I want to make sure he knows before he leaves us for college. This season is full of big emotions and even bigger prayers.

Isabelle is 11 and absolutely taking middle school by storm! She is kind and brilliant and brave and all the things I wish I was at her age. This past year, we joined the world of travel soccer—and wow, what a ride it’s been. It’s a big commitment, but it’s been so worth it. She’s incredibly talented, and it’s been such a joy to watch her grow in confidence, skill, and teamwork on the field. Off the field, her heart for animals continues to shine. She’s still completely in love with all things animal rescue, and this summer, we’ll be turning that passion into action. Isabelle (and I—because, minors 😅) will be volunteering at our local Humane Society. She’s so excited, and honestly, I am too. Watching her step into the things she loves is one of the greatest gifts of motherhood.

One of the things I appreciate so much about this stage of parenting—raising a teen and a tween—is that we still genuinely enjoy being together. Don’t get me wrong, our days are often a whirlwind. Between practices, games, meetings, and the kids retreating to their rooms to do what teens and tweens do (phones, games, solo time), there are days I blink and realize we barely crossed paths.

But what I’m really proud of is how intentional we’ve been with the time we do spend together. It’s not perfect or overly structured, but it’s real—and meaningful.

Our spring break getaways the last two years have been such gifts. Yes, it was fun exploring somewhere new and going on adventures, but the true magic happened in the in-between moments—those quiet, connected pockets of time. Dinner conversations. Long car rides. Laughter for no reason. Just being together.

One unexpected highlight? Nate found this amazing deck of conversation cards called Talking Points, and we’ve started using them during meals. It’s such a simple thing, but it’s opened up new ways to learn about who our kids are becoming—what they care about, how they think, and what makes them laugh. This season can be so stressful, but it’s also full of sweet, sacred moments. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

And it is not just parenting. Marriage feels so different at this stage in our journey. This past April, Nate and I celebrated 15 years—and honestly, I’m still in awe of how quickly time has passed. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth: marriage has not been easy. The day-to-day can be exhausting, and there were so many moments when we were just trying to make it through. But when I take a step back and really look at what we've built, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Fifteen years of growing, evolving, and choosing to break cycles/be better—even when it was hard. I’m so thankful for the love that’s carried us this far.

Oh, instead of ringing in 40 with a party, Nate chose to go skydiving. And I didn't freak out watching it happen like a thought I would #growth.

These days, I'm holding space for both the joy and the stretch. The daily juggle of being a mom, physician, mentor, and human. The highs and the hard days. And I'm learning to say: "It's okay if I don't do it all. It's okay to start again."

So here’s to that—a fresh start, a soft reentry, and the reminder that presence doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.

Thanks so much for reading—I really do hope to pop back in sooner than last time! 😅

I’ve got so much more to share, especially from the work front… you know, the doctor job that inspired this whole blog in the first place. 😂

So stay tuned—more updates coming (hopefully) soon.

xo,
Jasmine

She's Back!

2024-02-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know whether to say "welcome back!" to you or myself...

If you are still following along on Instagram, then you know a lot has happened since my last post on MrsMommyMD, but here are the highlights {and lowlights because I pride myself on being real with ya'll...}:

Highlights

1. Finishing medical training, starting my first "big girl job", and passing my MFM oral boards (!!!)

2. Watching my kids grow into tweens and teens. They are truly my favorite people in the whole wide world and bring my heart and life so much joy.

3. Moving closer to our family and being able to show up for all the things - like officiating my brother's wedding.

4. Having the bandwidth and time to do the things that bring me joy - like reconnecting with my very best friends.

5. Lots of "firsts" for our little family like traveling out of the country and making lots of memories.

Lowlights

1. Losing my Grammy.

2. Leaving our chosen family in NC and moving my kids away from their friends when I finished up my training at UNC.

3. Any time I experience what feels like the "motherhood fumbles" - like despite having more time outside of work overall, this job still does not allow me to make all the presentations, performances, and sports events.

4. Letting my personal insecurities stop me from taking big leaps.

What I am looking forward to:

1. Continuing to be present, grow, and thrive in this amazing, yet bittersweet, experience of parenting big kids.

2. Spending more intention and time with my family and close friends.

3. More opportunities to reach larger audiences to advocate and effect change in the Black maternal health space.

4. Creating the personal and professional life that keeps me inspired and utilizes my God given gifts and talents in a way that makes the world a better place.

*Please go check out my professional site and let me know what you think!*

I feel I am in a constant state of reflection.

Am I doing the things I want to do with my life?

Am I the person I want to be?

If anything, the last three years have impressed upon me how, despite how exhausting it can feel to just get through the daily hustle, we have to stay present. We have to make sure we pause to look around, or we will miss the point of it all.

I will always be down to share my journey and advice that can make it easier for those who come after me. Ironically, since finally starting the job I have worked over a decade for, I am constantly re-evaluating my role in healthcare. It is jarring how fast the system can jade you. But the most important piece of advice I think I could give anyone right now is:

Decide what is most important to you in this life and frequently assess if your choices reflect that. It will be challenged more than you realize and in ways that may not always be apparent. And if your life is not aligned to reflect your most important things, then make the adjustments. It is never too late.

Black Maternal Health Week 2021: Get Informed and Get Involved!

2021-04-11T17:23:00.012-04:00

This week is Black Maternal Health Week!

BMHW was started by The Black Mamas Matter Alliance with the following goals {taken from their website here}:

Deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the US

Amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions

Center the voices of Black Mamas, women, families, and stakeholders

Provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth and reproductive justice

Enhance community organizing on Black maternal health

The week ends with the kick off of the fourth annual Black Maternal Health Conference which I am so excited to be able to virtually attend.

Why do we need a week?

I’m glad you asked.

We all know disparities are everywhere.

What do we call a disparity in economic resources? Wealth gap

What about in education? Achievement gap

What do we call a disparity in imprisonment? School to prison pipeline

Source: Racial Equity Institute

It is our nation’s crippling inequities among those of difference racial or ethnic groups, a result of structural and societal racism, that not only effect the outcomes across multiple societal domains, but rob birthing people and their families who look like me of the birthing experience we all deserve.

See, even in a country that spends an astronomical amount of health care, approximately 700 birthing people die from pregnancy related causes every year and the Black community continues to bare the burden of those losses.

American Indian/Alaska Native and Black women are 2 to 3 times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. But this isn’t a new issue and it has not gotten better with time.

The CDC has some great information on the most recent pregnancy related mortality rates (PRMR) {here}.

Source: CDC

Even in states with the lowest PRMR, the PRMR for Black patients was about 3 times as high as the PRMR for White patients.

Source: CDC

And the PRMR doesn’t improve for Black patients with education like is does for White patients. In fact the PRMR for Black patients with a college degree is FIVE TIMES that of their White counterparts. And while White patients see the PRMR drop by almost 2/3rds when they go from less than a high school education to having a college degree or higher.

For Black patients, the rate barely moves. In fact, a Black patient with a college degree or higher has a higher PRMR than a White patient who did not finish high school.

Source: CDC

In research we like to make sure we “control for confounding variables”. It is a way simulate “all things being equal”. You know, to make sure differences outside of the the association (like education or income) isn’t causing the outcome we see. So that means, "all things being equal" studies continue to prove that being pregnant while Black is a fight for your life.

Although maternal mortality is one of the most jarring disparities, it is not the only one.

Infant mortality, preterm birth rates, breastfeeding, pain management, infertility, and contraceptive access all have their own inequities. The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine has a great infographic on racism’s impact on pregnancy outcomes linked with sources {here} and also Black Mamas Matter has an awesome toolkit.

I encourage you to use this week to help raise awareness on the issues and check out the events and listen in on the powerful discussions happening all over the web for #BMHW.

Not sure where to start?! There is so much great content this week so it is the perfect time to jump in:

Black Mamas Matter Alliance Toolkit: https://blackmamasmatter.org/bmhw/toolkit/

National Birth Equity Collaborative: https://birthequity.org/bmhw2021/

Ancient Song Doula Services: https://www.instagram.com/ancientsong/

Also, follow along on instagram where many of us are using the #BMHW2021 hashtag keep the conversation going.

Be well!

#BMHW21 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BirthJustice #MaternalEquity #BlackMaternalHealth

Literati Kids Subscription Box REVIEW

2021-03-05T08:24:00.003-05:00

#LiteratiPartner #ad

literati.com/JasmineJohnson

I try to stay away from subscription boxes. Mainly because I am always decluttering and I have yet to find a subscription box that actually includes all-item winners. Instead, they end up stacked in our closet. This was before I was introduced to Literati and their kids’ book subscription boxes.

Literati has been named “best kid’s book subscription” by Oprah Magazine, USA Today, and Time. There are even awesome little bonuses in the boxes like - personalized book-cessories (like cute labels), art posters, and stickers! Isabelle is growing into an avid reader {literally going through 1-2 books a week} and this surprise package was so exciting for us both!

To keep kids engaged, there are new themes every month. And what I love most is that the books feature heroes of all colors, ages, shapes, and sizes because more than ever, our kids need to see characters that look like them AND the diversity around them.

Here is a peek at our first box (theme: imagination):

A Boy Called Bat

Stick Dog

Big Questions from Little People

Legend of the Star Runner

National Parks of the US Activity Book

Isabelle was an immediate fan of the book label and bookmark. Get 25% off your own subscription here: literati.com/JasmineJohnson.

Each box includes 5 age-appropriate books, for kids 0-17 years, every month (or quarterly) for $9.95. Once your little reader decides which ones they like, you keep the ones that were a hit and send back the ones that weren’t! Super easy!

The books are competitively priced (they try to keep them at or under what you would find on Amazon). You even get a prepaid return shipping label to keep returns simple.

Check out Literati and get 25% off your book order at the following link: literati.com/JasmineJohnson

I am excited to share our Literati Kids subscription experience over the next few months! #LiteratiAmbassador

The books were a hit and spot on for her age!

Nancy's Feel Good Fables REVIEW

2021-03-02T14:50:00.002-05:00

Today is National Reading Day! This is a big month for mother-daughter duo Nancy and Sara Ganz, because it is also the release of the first book in their new children’s book series Nancy's Feel Good Fables.

Tina Searches for Her Dream is a story about resilience, empowerment and confidence. When Nancy’s children were young, she began writing stories to teach them essential life lessons. Each book in the “Nancy’s Feel Good Fables” collection covers topics like self-love, perseverance, empathy, and confidence and their favorite 12 will be released over the next few years.

The books are geared towards children age 3-7 years old, but the content I think is relevant to kids of all ages. The cool thing about these books is that you can choose your hero to look like you. Tina comes in 3 different skin tones so that each reader has the opportunity to see themselves in the main character. So awesome!

In talking to Nancy and Sara Ganz about the book, I could feel their passion for making sure all children feel represented. And the details show. In reading the book, I was struck in the care they took to make sure every ballerina in the story had nude shoes that were not “one shade for all”. Even that sends a message to ALL children. We all can be the hero no matter what we look like. We are all enough.

This past year especially, we are all looking for ways to connect as a family and these books created an opportunity to have a great discussion with my kids about a lot of the emotions we are all feeling right now. Talking about feeling all of our emotions and processing them - even the not-so-fun ones - is a part of healthy growth and development.

“What is your dream? It’s never too late to find it. Tina Searches for Her Dream takes children on a journey toward self-love, confidence and purpose.”

Tina learns that it is OK to not be the best at everything because everyone experiences disappointment, but if you keep moving forward and taking a chance trying new things, you will find something that you were made for.

You know I love a good story about following your dreams - that is why I created my blog - and it is so SO important that children hear messages like these early.

To get the word out about their book release, Nancy and Sara would like to give a free book to one of my followers! Check out my Instagram post for details on how to enter!

Everyday Sabbatical Collab

2021-02-19T12:00:00.001-05:00

During the holidays, I learned about a clothing brand called Everyday Sabbatical.

Everyday Sabbatical is a woman owned company {Yaaaaaas} the mission is simple and the website says it all:

“Dress for the life you live. Today and every day...Where's the fashion for the kick-ass boss running from one meeting to the next? Where's the fashion for the working mom moving from office to grocery store to carpool to home and back to the office again? Where's the fashion for the global travelers? The community leaders? The avid gardeners? The lifelong learners? The it-takes-a-village-ers? And what if they are the same woman?”

I mean....seriously. THIS. RIGHT. HERE.

For me clothing has to be equal parts fashionable, comfortable, and able to transition from clinic visits, to presentations, to happy hours, to running errands with the kids. When I tried on Mini’s designs for the first time, I quickly realized that she met all the requirements and then some.

I felt comfortable, sexy, and modern in my outfits. You know, I am in that in-between-age where I am not the Forever 21 demographic anymore, but I am also not ready to embrace my mom’s closet. Trust, I am striving for the Michelle Obama in burgundy at the 2021 inauguration swag, but don’t want to overly mature my fashion too soon.

In keeping with the awesome mission, the website showcases the looks on women of all colors and body types. Swoon! When I talked to the founder, MIni, about this, she said that she wanted the models to look like her friends and her friends aren’t just one race, ethnicity, or body type.

I’m a customer for life and so excited to share Everyday Sabbatical with ya’ll! I think Mini really nailed it!

I was able to try a few outfits including the “24/7 pants” and a matching “effortless long sleeve shirt” in this beautiful color called “Peacock”. The fabrics are so soft, light and breathable. I felt like I was secretly wearing PJs…but looked like I was ready to take on my day.

the “effortless sleeveless top” in gray…which went great with my jeans but I feel like I could have just as easily paired it with a skirt or dress pants.

and the “everywhere dress” in black. I’m still a sucker for dresses with pockets so obviously this was also a win.

I love ALL of the pieces, but my absolute surprise favorite was the peacock set. Never in 1 million years would I have picked this bright color on my own, but now I want more of it. I mean I feel like I am serving “Oh hello, Better Homes and Gardens, welcome to my home. I didn’t know you were coming but I have a charcuterie board prepared already” vibes...

Check out an interview I did with Mini on her blog {here}. Such a great time chatting with her not only about the clothes, but also what it means to wear many hats while surviving in a pandemic...I mean where do we even begin?!

Also, if you would love to win a FREE effortless top for yourself, check out the Everyday Sabbatical giveaway in honor of International Women's Day on March 8th!

2020.

2020-08-31T13:21:00.006-04:00

I think it is time to post something new since our photos wearing Christmas jammies on this sweet little blog.

Thankfully, my Instagram activity has been buzzing, so in an effort to avoid never getting to the ideal post I had in mind where I summarize in riveting prose where we have been over the last 9 months, I am going to back post my instagram content from that time on here.

And then hopefully I can get out some blog-specific content for all those who have been looking forward to new posts.

Be well.

So scroll back through time, and here's to channeling some of that New Year's energy that we all were feeling in January before this world started to get INSANE.

xoxo

View this post on Instagram

Happy New Year from my squad! . Feeling so blessed. Also, peep my high school senior glamour shot in the back 🤣 Who knew how sweet life could be 15 years later 🥰 #2020 #HappyNewYear

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson,MD |MFM Fellow (@mrsmommymd) on Dec 31, 2019 at 7:21pm PST

Back to School 2020

2020-08-26T17:10:00.000-04:00

Even in a pandemic, old traditions still stand.

2nd grade and 6th grade here we come!

8.1.87

2020-08-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

What do you do when you want to turn up but continue to be safe during your pandemic birthday?

You staycation like a queen in a local luxury hotel.

You buy super cute swim suits from Black owned companies.

You fill up that kiddie pool and float like you are in the Caribbean.

And you eat LOTs of cake lovingly made by your 7 year old.

Cheers to 33 years!

Stay at Home Month 6: July

2020-07-31T16:00:00.001-04:00

Hamilton at home, Labor and Delivery, Izza Day!, Antepartum, workouts for sanity, Pikachu PJs, and more smiles than tears because we are healthy, thankful, and safe.

Thank God for Technology

2020-07-12T16:32:00.001-04:00

Missing this one so much, but we will keep being safe and depending on technology for our gossip until I can squeeze her tight.

I told her she is our family’s most prized possession 😍🖤

Stay home!

Public Health over Individual Inconvenience

2020-06-26T15:20:00.002-04:00

My dad and I on the front lines in Indiana and North Carolina.

Regardless of where you live, the inequities of our society during Covid are glaringly clear.

The only Covid+ patients I (and my colleagues) have taken care of since March are Black and Hispanic. Their stories are all similar.

They cannot social distance - they have been the essential workers that don’t have the luxury or protections to stay at home.

In North Carolina, our population is 10% LatinX, but our most recent data reveals LatinX patients are 46% of our state’s Covid diagnoses. Y’all. THIS IS SYSTEMIC RACISM.

My dad’s Covid patients have all been incarcerated.

Something tells me this is exactly why our country is “ready to open” and it makes me furious.

When Covid was starting to impact the US, I read the following quote by @anandwrites that explains it perfectly:

“Coronavirus makes clear what has been true all along. Your health is as safe as the worst-insured, worst-cared-for person in your society. It will be determined by the height of the floor, not the ceiling.”

This isn’t going to get better for anyone until Americans begin to care more about public health than individual inconvenience.

Think about that when you judge someone for wearing a mask or someone who is continuing to social distance despite restaurants, bars, and beaches being open.

Every day I pray for the safety of my family, coworkers, friends, and our forgotten patients who continue to have their families devastated.

This is NOT a game.

This is NOT a hoax.

Please stay home.

Want to learn more about the Covid-19 pandemic and health disparities?:

Covid-19 Amplifies Racial Disparities in Maternal Health

Why COVID-19 Disproportionately Impacts Latino Communities

Racism is a Pandemic Too: White Coats for Black Lives

2020-06-12T14:54:00.004-04:00

Black people are fighting for their lives in two pandemics - coronavirus AND racism. #WhiteCoatsForBlackLives #BlackLivesMatter #BlackMamasMatter

The last two weeks have been unbelievably heartbreaking and overwhelming for us all. This is a critical moment in our history as a country.

For the new followers, thanks for following and diversifying the content of your feed.

I am a Black woman, wife, mother, and Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellow in North Carolina. I am a doctor who takes care of women with pregnancy complications.

I am also a physician activist. My research focus is Black maternal health and ending the unacceptable disparities (a product of racism) that devastate Black families.

My content is the intersection of all of my identities and has been from the day I wrote my first blog post August 2010. I have always sought to use my platform to inspire others to follow their dreams - there weren’t many Black mother physicians in social media and I knew from experience that “you can’t be what you can’t see”.

For anyone who finds themself here looking for direction on how to be a part of the change, I will share with you what I shared this past weekend on a zoom panel about race:

Everyone’s platform is not going to be Instagram. It may not be videos on YouTube. It may not be giving speeches or presenting research, but we all have a platform.

Our platform is our sphere of influence. It is your home, your school, your job, your church group, and your vote.

It is more critical than ever for you to use your voice. Speak up when you see something that isn’t right. Speak up when you see that someone is mistreated.

It is this country’s culture of silence and indifference after witnessed injustice over generations that has gotten us here.

It is going to take more than thoughts, prayers, and well-meaning texts to your Black friends to get us out.

Please step up, and get ready for the journey because we are just getting started. #blacklivesmatter #blackdoctorsmatter #whitecoatsforblacklives

Racism is a Pandemic Too

Not OK.

2020-05-28T14:41:00.001-04:00

I am not OK.

As a mother of two Black children, I think about our race and how we are perceived in the world on a daily basis. As the wife of a Black man, I think of it when he leaves the house. As one of a handful of Black doctors in our department, I think of it on a daily basis at work.

Weeks like these knock the wind out of you, because you know that you, and the people you love, have targets on their backs every single day.

You can’t “move to a different neighborhood” your way out of it.

You can’t “dress or talk a certain way” your way out of it.

You can’t “have a medical doctorate” your way out of it.

This pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in our country. For my people, it has brought the disproportionate loss of jobs, disproportionate loss of life, and further widens the chasm of resources that should be BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS.

If you are not BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color), we need you to step up. I’m tired of tearfully writing these damn captions.

We need you to fight too. Thank you to all of the call to action posts, the up standers, the acknowledgement of privilege and accountability. Love to see it, but your work is not done.

Please educate yourself on the history of race in our country. How racism has, and continues to infiltrate our society. How is it killing our mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. #AhmaudArbery #BreonnaTaylor #GeorgeFloyd

The inhumane and disgusting murder of George Floyd is when racism screams in our faces, but every day, you can see its influences - it’s public education funding from property taxes, it’s hiring discrimination, it’s housing discrimination, it’s colorblindness, it’s white silence.

The palpable silence of the privileged in times of overt racism and racial crisis in our country, is deafening. I implore all of those who call me a friend, to not be silent.

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends” - MLK

Instagram accounts to follow if you are looking for ways to educate yourself and join the fight:

@Rachel.Cargle
@ibramxk
@TheConsciousKid
@GoodGoodGoodCo
@Parentingispolitical

Stay at Home Month 3: May

2020-05-22T14:40:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day, doggy birthday party, telemedicine, more outside time {including making the backyard my most favorite spot}, more video calls, more carryout, science experiments, last month of 1st and 5th grade distance learning, and more Johnson kids making the best out of this crazy time.

Stay at Home Month 2: April

2020-04-30T14:36:00.009-04:00

Birthdays, Resurrection Sunday, more distance learning, more working {inside and outside of the hospital for Mommy}, a weird Spring Break, stopping to smell the roses, and more adjusting to our new normal.

Oh! And 10 years of marriage!

View this post on Instagram

I’ve been starting a lot posts this month with “wasn’t how we planned to spend...” but I can honestly say I always planned to spend our 10 year anniversary this way. . With you. . No matter what life has brought us, thanks for being the constant over the last 10 years. . Here’s to ♾ more my love. 🥂

A post shared by Jasmine Johnson,MD |MFM Fellow (@mrsmommymd) on Apr 16, 2020 at 8:27am PDT

Black Maternal Health Week 2020

2020-04-14T15:38:00.001-04:00

It’s #BlackMaternalHealthWeek and I know that today, more than ever, we are inundated with terrible statistics and bad news, but that doesn’t change the fact that we all have a part to play in ending health disparities for all.

One way to start is to get yourself educated on why, for Black women, having a baby in the United States is more deadly than in any other developed nation.

You don’t have to be on the front lines of the clinic or a full time researcher to make a difference.

You can become an ally. You can use your voice to educate others on how implicit bias and structural racism have contributed to this disparity for hundreds of years - impacting the health of generations. Don’t believe me? Just look at the disparities related to #Covid19.

This problem didn’t appear overnight, so it’s going to take persistent, intentional, and complex efforts to reverse it - just take a look at this poignant visual from a paper on the association between mass incarceration and preterm birth rates by Dr. Shawnita Sealy-Jefferson (@dr.shawnita). “Free”?! ‪#MicDrop‬ (I HIGHLY recommend you read her full manuscript, which can be easily found on her twitter page @Dr_S_Jefferson)

So, go follow a new account that is leading the charge (or two, or three) this week.

Trust me you can only be inspired by these change-makers:

@blackmamasmatter

@4kira4moms

@birthequity

@nationalblackdoulas just to name a few...

Elevate their work. Share one of their posts. Raise awareness.

Help us in ending the disparities in Black maternal health. #RacismNOTRace #BMHW20

Stay at Home Month 1: March

2020-03-31T14:14:00.003-04:00

March 12th our kids came home from school for a long weekend, and the world as we knew it was changed.

Here are some of the photos from our first month at home.

Lots of digital learning, working {at home and at the hospital for Mommy}, experimenting with hair styles, outside time, and keeping our spirits up with video calls from those we love.

The Mrs. The Mommy. The M.D.

What Happened to My Instagram and Facebook Accounts

Clear Truths in Quiet Seasons

MLK Day

New Year Musings

Three things...

Doing the Most at the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit: Cowboy Carter!

Four Years In: Reflection, Growth, and the Work Still Ahead

By the Numbers

The Clinical Core

Advocacy: Still Speaking the Truth

Supporting the Future of Medicine

The Quiet Question

Life Lately and Showing Up—Even When It's Not Perfect

She's Back!

Black Maternal Health Week 2021: Get Informed and Get Involved!

Literati Kids Subscription Box **REVIEW**

Nancy's Feel Good Fables **REVIEW**

Everyday Sabbatical **Collab**

2020.

Back to School 2020

8.1.87

Stay at Home Month 6: July

Thank God for Technology

Public Health over Individual Inconvenience

Why COVID-19 Disproportionately Impacts Latino Communities

Racism is a Pandemic Too: White Coats for Black Lives

Not OK.

Stay at Home Month 3: May

Stay at Home Month 2: April

Black Maternal Health Week 2020

Stay at Home Month 1: March

Literati Kids Subscription Box REVIEW

Nancy's Feel Good Fables REVIEW

Everyday Sabbatical Collab