It’s been four years since the first of Allison Keng’s three daughters needed critical care in the NICU at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center — and she’s never considered going anywhere else.
“Within 24 hours, she was back in our room, happy and healthy,” says the 28-year-old from Grand Prairie, “and we all got discharged together.”
Baby Eden ingested meconium in the womb, and she had to spend time on a ventilator because the staff feared she had inhaled her first bowel movement into her lungs.
“The NICU nurses were amazing,” Allison says. “I felt very comfortable, safe, and cared for by the staff at Methodist Mansfield.”
Four-year-old Eden holds baby Elizabeth, while 3-year-old Emery holds her stuffed puppy.
NICU FOR 1ST BABY
Allison’s first delivery was difficult, and not just because Eden needed critical care. The young mother suffered a vaginal tear, an injury that would lead her to have cesarean sections for her next two deliveries.
“I delivered her vaginally, but I had a fourth-degree tear,” Allison says. “Then after she was born, they rushed her away to the NICU.”
While in utero, little Eden had breathed in amniotic fluid tainted with meconium, a sticky green or black substance that babies normally pass after birth. It’s rare for a baby to aspirate meconium, but the staff at Methodist Mansfield was ready.
“Methodist Mansfield is the whole package for pregnant mothers,” says Allison’s doctor Paul Daum, MD, OB-GYN on the medical staff at the hospital. “It offers all levels of maternal-fetal support.”
That included helping Allison’s husband, Eric, whose head was spinning after the difficult delivery that Allison and their first child endured.
“The nurses taught my husband how to change a diaper and give Eden a sponge bath,” she says. “They held his hand through the whole thing.”
From first-time moms to high-risk pregnancies, we deliver family-centered support every step of the way. Visit MethodistHealthSystem.org
NOT JUST BABY BLUES
Allison’s second and third deliveries would come with a new challenge — postpartum depression — and that inspired her to start a nonprofit, with a little help from another mom and her favorite hospital.
“Methodist Mansfield has hosted two of our meetings so far,” Allison says. “But they’re not just providing space; they’re providing support.”
After welcoming Eden in 2022 and Emery in 2023, Allison knew she needed support, ideally from women going through what she was.
“Getting out of the house and connecting with other moms was important, but it was incredibly challenging with my babies,” Allison says. “I had heard about these weekly walks that were taking place in a neighborhood nearby, so I decided to attend one.”
Postpartum depression affects 10% to 20% of new mothers. Often caused by a hormonal imbalance and sleep deprivation, the mood disorder affects every woman differently:
- Trouble sleeping and fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Frequent mood changes
- Lack of interest in usual activities
Though anxious to connect at first, Allison realized there was something special about an event that was designed to connect moms and spark friendships that made her feel braver.
Allison found strength in the support of other moms, and that became the mission for her group.
STRENGTH IN SOCIETY
Allison met the group’s founder, Abby Rinzel, and the two quickly formed a bond at these weekly walks, which ended in playground time for the kids and more social time for the moms.
As word spread and the walks grew in popularity, Allison and Abby realized they were building something special. They changed their name from Mansfield Mom Walk to DFW Mom Society to better reflect the broader community they served and the variety of events they offered.
“As the group grew, we saw a strong need for community and connection among moms throughout the area,” Allison says. “It became clear that there was an opportunity to strengthen these connections, partner with local businesses, and expand beyond walks and playdates.”
LIKE A 2ND FAMILY
Dr. Daum would care for Allison during her pregnancies with Emery and Elizabeth, and she knew Methodist Mansfield was where she wanted to deliver. That was fine by her new doctor.
“I wouldn’t deliver anywhere else,” says Dr. Daum, who praises the entire staff, “from the incredibly caring nursing staff to the Level III NICU.”
Those nurses were like family to Allison and Eric, who still remembers the labor and delivery nurse who helped them both through that first delivery in 2002.
“She was there holding his hand, making sure he was breathing,” Allison recalls. “Even though I was the patient, they made sure he was okay, too.”
When Allison began considering where to seek additional support with the DFW Mom Society, she remembered the care she received at Methodist Mansfield. Reaching out felt like a natural next step.
Once again, Methodist Mansfield offered support in the form of access to a conference room for a monthly postpartum group meeting.
“Methodist Mansfield has been a strong supporter since our early days,” says Allison, “and we are incredibly grateful that they believe in our mission and recognize the needs of mothers throughout this community and beyond.”
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