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.
AFE SURVIVOR KATIE
It was Sunday, July 22, 2018 and I was 40.2 weeks and admitted to begin what was expected to be a typical process to induce labor. The next morning, I
AFE Survivor Cali
My daughter and I had just gotten home from church and were taking a nap as she was 2 and I was 21 weeks pregnant. My husband, Josh, checked on
AFE Survivor Angela A.
It’s been hard for me to talk about what happened. I blocked everything out of my head, but I know years later I’m “ starting “ to heal. I think
AFE Survivor Sara
The last thing I remember is the day before delivery day walking through the rose garden and not feeling well. I went into labor one week before my due date,
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
AFE Survivor Katie
On August 31st, 2017, at 41+3 weeks pregnant, my husband and I got the news that I would be induced that morning and we would finally be meeting our baby
AFE Survivor Gia
I experienced an amniotic fluid embolism at age 33. I got pregnant with my second child, we were expecting a boy. I remember two years prior to my AFE, my
AFE Survivor Jessie
I was so excited when I found out I was having a girl! My c-section was scheduled and I had prepared myself, or so I thought. I had the “normal”
AFE Survivor Meghan
It was Valentine’s Day of 2018 when my husband and I went in for a scheduled induction for our first child. We celebrated with a romantic dinner before settling into
Self Care after Traumatic Birth
Many have heard the term self care. It’s in magazines, self help books, and even in the beloved motherhood bible, “What to Expect When Expecting”. There is no doubt that
AFE Survivor Anita
I was in pushing phase of labor and was suddenly nauseous. I told my husband I was going to be sick, and he turned to get the little pink tub.
AFE Survivor Amanda
We lost who would have been our third daughter, Stella, in December 2015 when I was about 21 weeks pregnant. I decided that I would proceed with a D&E following
In Memory of Tammy
Tammy’s sister shares… I was Tammy’s labor coach and arrived at the hospital just after she had her epidural. She said she had never felt pain like that prior to
In Memory of Lisa
Lisa was born and raised in Washington, DC and attended the public school system, graduating from Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. She attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
In Memory of Teresa
Teresa has made an impact on others that has spanned the globe. Although she is not here to see that for herself, her family takes comfort in knowing her legacy
In Memory of Sandra
Sandra was admitted on Wednesday, April 17, to be induced. She was pregnant with her first child, Nathaniel Josiah Payne. She labored all day Thursday with little progress. By Friday
AFE Survivor Laura
I was admitted to hospital at 38 weeks to be induced. Late in the pregnancy I had developed pre-eclampsia, cholestasis of pregnancy, HELLP syndrome and on the last scan I
In Memory of Maja and Oliver
It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed since 21 year old Maja, loving wife to Paul, was excitedly and expectantly preparing for something she had wanted so
AFE Survivor Gia
I experienced an amniotic fluid embolism at age 33. I got pregnant with my second child, we were expecting a boy. I remember two years prior to my AFE, my
AFE Survivor Jessie
I was so excited when I found out I was having a girl! My c-section was scheduled and I had prepared myself, or so I thought. I had the “normal”
AFE Survivor Meghan
It was Valentine’s Day of 2018 when my husband and I went in for a scheduled induction for our first child. We celebrated with a romantic dinner before settling into
AFE Survivor Anita
I was in a coma for a month, and started to come out of it only after they had planned to send me off to hospice. On May 24, 2005,
AFE Survivor Emily S.
I was one week overdue with my second pregnancy. I was hoping to have a VBAC after having an emergency c-section with my first after developing pre-eclampsia and subsequent HELLP
AFE Survivor Jayla
In February 2013, we announced our second pregnancy and short time later, learned we were having twin girls! We were told it would be considered a high risk pregnancy because
AFE Survivor Emily M.
I experienced my AFE with my first and only child after a c-section. I went into labor the day before my due date, contractions were so intense and didn’t let
AFE Survivor Samantha
It was 1 am in the morning of Jan 11, 2019, I got the call to go in to start to be induced. I got to my room and they
AFE Survivor Amanda Z.
My Survival Story On October 16th I went into the hospital to be induced. I wasn’t planning on an induction but was super excited. I had a perfect labor. Everything
In Memory of Carrie
Carrie was the kind of person that never met a stranger and saw the good in everyone. She was always willing to help anyone with anything and would give you
In Memory of Tammy
Tammy’s sister shares… I was Tammy’s labor coach and arrived at the hospital just after she had her epidural. She said she had never felt pain like that prior to
In Memory of Lisa
Lisa was born and raised in Washington, DC and attended the public school system, graduating from Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. She attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
In Memory of Teresa
Teresa has made an impact on others that has spanned the globe. Although she is not here to see that for herself, her family takes comfort in knowing her legacy
In Memory of Sandra
Sandra was admitted on Wednesday, April 17, to be induced. She was pregnant with her first child, Nathaniel Josiah Payne. She labored all day Thursday with little progress. By Friday
In Memory of Maja and Oliver
It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed since 21 year old Maja, loving wife to Paul, was excitedly and expectantly preparing for something she had wanted so
In Memory of Linda
On May 30, 2008, our 28 year old daughter, Linda went to the hospital in labor. Shortly after her water was broken the baby’s cord prolapsed and Linda was rushed
In Memory of Rebekah
Our sister Rebekah was 36 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins when she went to the hospital. That evening she felt like things were not quite right so she wanted to
In Memory of Michelle
In the Spring of 2012 Michelle, age 39, learned that she was pregnant with her second child with a due date of 12/05/12. Michelle had a son, Jackson, born in
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.