AFE Foundation
AFE Stories
Sharing unique experiences and reflections of those personally impacted by AFE.
Below are the personal stories of women and their families who have been affected by or lost to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). Each story is unique and offers insight into what others have experienced. Our desire is to feature these stories to lessen the feelings of isolation that often accompany AFE.
In Memory of Aria Rae
On July 26, 2007, my sister, Aria Rae, 24, died in Vorhees, New Jersey of an amniotic fluid embolism following labor induction with Cervidil and pitocin. The baby boy with
AFE Survivor, Amanda C
I went in to the hospital for an induction at 40 weeks and had been 1 cm dilated for four weeks. The epidural experience was amazing and better than the
Katelynn, Labor and Delivery RN
As a labor and delivery nurse, you are part of such an intimate part of someone’s life. In both good and bad ways. The birth of a baby can be
AFE Survivor, Annie L
In May 2021, I was 39 weeks pregnant and admitted into the labor and delivery room. My labor was progressing as normal. It had been a relatively easy pregnancy, with
AFE Widower, Stephen Wiesenfeld changed the course of history for widowers in the U.S.
On June 5, 1972, Paula and Stephen Weisenfeld, were overjoyed to welcome their first child. Paula, a teacher, planned to return to work while Stephen, who ran a computer consulting
AFE Survivor, Allison C
My AFE happened in December 2012 when my 3rd boy was born. I went to hospital to be induced on the 19th of December as there wasn’t going to be
AFE Survivor, Mimi S
In August 2021, I went to the hospital for a scheduled induction with my third child due to some mild pre-eclampsia. My delivery was progressing as expected when I suddenly
AFE Survivor, Janessa P
On September 1, 2021, I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. I was dilated 8cm when the fetal heart rate began to decrease and our girl was in distress.
Sister Besties: Chantel + Toni Re’
Chantel was born in New York but lived in Trinidad for most of her life. She was a true “Trini to d bone!” A bit crazy and eccentric, she loved
In Memory of Aria Rae
On July 26, 2007, my sister, Aria Rae, 24, died in Vorhees, New Jersey of an amniotic fluid embolism following labor induction with Cervidil and pitocin. The baby boy with
AFE Survivor, Amanda C
I went in to the hospital for an induction at 40 weeks and had been 1 cm dilated for four weeks. The epidural experience was amazing and better than the
Katelynn, Labor and Delivery RN
As a labor and delivery nurse, you are part of such an intimate part of someone’s life. In both good and bad ways. The birth of a baby can be
AFE Survivor, Annie L
In May 2021, I was 39 weeks pregnant and admitted into the labor and delivery room. My labor was progressing as normal. It had been a relatively easy pregnancy, with
AFE Widower, Stephen Wiesenfeld changed the course of history for widowers in the U.S.
On June 5, 1972, Paula and Stephen Weisenfeld, were overjoyed to welcome their first child. Paula, a teacher, planned to return to work while Stephen, who ran a computer consulting
AFE Survivor, Allison C
My AFE happened in December 2012 when my 3rd boy was born. I went to hospital to be induced on the 19th of December as there wasn’t going to be
AFE Survivor, Mimi S
In August 2021, I went to the hospital for a scheduled induction with my third child due to some mild pre-eclampsia. My delivery was progressing as expected when I suddenly
AFE Survivor, Janessa P
On September 1, 2021, I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. I was dilated 8cm when the fetal heart rate began to decrease and our girl was in distress.
AFE Survivor Alicia S
I had my AFE with my first ever pregnancy and delivery in October of 2019. This required me to have an emergency C-section as my oxygen levels were dangerously low
AFE Survivor, Amanda C
I went in to the hospital for an induction at 40 weeks and had been 1 cm dilated for four weeks. The epidural experience was amazing and better than the
AFE Survivor, Annie L
In May 2021, I was 39 weeks pregnant and admitted into the labor and delivery room. My labor was progressing as normal. It had been a relatively easy pregnancy, with
AFE Survivor, Allison C
My AFE happened in December 2012 when my 3rd boy was born. I went to hospital to be induced on the 19th of December as there wasn’t going to be
AFE Survivor, Mimi S
In August 2021, I went to the hospital for a scheduled induction with my third child due to some mild pre-eclampsia. My delivery was progressing as expected when I suddenly
AFE Survivor, Janessa P
On September 1, 2021, I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. I was dilated 8cm when the fetal heart rate began to decrease and our girl was in distress.
AFE Survivor Annie
I was induced at 39 weeks pregnant on Sunday, March 22nd, 2020. For those unfamiliar with Covid-19’s progression of events, that was 11 days after Covid-19 was declared a global
AFE Survivor Alicia S
I had my AFE with my first ever pregnancy and delivery in October of 2019. This required me to have an emergency C-section as my oxygen levels were dangerously low
AFE Survivor Danielle B
After being a single mother for two years to my eldest son, Ethan, I didn’t think I would be having any more children until much later in life. However, I
AFE Survivor Cathy G
On September 18th, I went into labor with our second daughter and headed to the hospital. Labor progressed throughout the night and the next day around 10 am I received
In Memory of Aria Rae
On July 26, 2007, my sister, Aria Rae, 24, died in Vorhees, New Jersey of an amniotic fluid embolism following labor induction with Cervidil and pitocin. The baby boy with
AFE Widower, Stephen Wiesenfeld changed the course of history for widowers in the U.S.
On June 5, 1972, Paula and Stephen Weisenfeld, were overjoyed to welcome their first child. Paula, a teacher, planned to return to work while Stephen, who ran a computer consulting
Sister Besties: Chantel + Toni Re’
Chantel was born in New York but lived in Trinidad for most of her life. She was a true “Trini to d bone!” A bit crazy and eccentric, she loved
Ali + Katie: A Friendship
Best friends- they are the keeper of secrets, the ones to wipe your tears, share your dreams with, and who help shape your world views. They are often the ones
In Memory of Molley
A truly bright shining light, always smiling, loving, compassionate, every good thing–that was Molley. A dedicated wife, daughter, sister, family member, and sweet friend to all, Molley was ready to
In Memory of Latonya
It was October 5, 2007 my sister was home alone with her 3yr daughter doing laundry, talking to me we both were laughing and talking about the movies we were
In Memory of Lisa B.
Lisa grew up in a small town in upstate NY. It was a place where houses are separated by acres of farm fields. She was the oldest of 5 siblings
In Memory of Amanda
In memory of Amanda aka ‘Moo’. She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunty, wife and ever so briefly mother. She had recently married her husband Glynn after a whirlwind romance.
In Memory of Leslie
Leslie was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She had a strong love for life and a nurturing bone that could easily be recognized. Leslie adored children and
A Guide to Healing AFE Survivors
Experiencing an amniotic fluid embolism can be overwhelming, confusing, and lead to feelings of sadness and isolation. You are not alone and there is hope!
Our AFE Survivor Guide was developed based on the feedback from over 1,200 AFE survivors who have shared their experiences with us. In it you’ll find:
- More about amniotic fluid embolism
- Answers to commonly asked questions
- How and where to find support
- And ways you can help #endAFE
Help us #endAFE!
The AFE Foundation is funded by donations. Every dollar goes toward our support, research, and education programs. We are committed to turning donations into action, including yours.