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 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
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
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
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
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
Young Girl Raises Funds for AFE Awareness
In October 2017, Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) survivor, Kristy Keating suffered an AFE during the birth of her daughter Vivien. Kristy is a cheer coach, and at 33 weeks, she
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
In Memory of Shelbe
Our daughter, Shelbe, was the most kindhearted, loving person. She was outgoing and never knew a stranger. She was so proud that she was going to be a mom for
Ben’s Story
Husband and father of 3 becomes a caregiver to his wife after she suffered an AFE and is left in a coma.
AFE Survivor Lisa
My husband and I were done having children. I had returned to work and worked my way back to being successful after staying home raising my two boys and one
AFE Survivor Alexis
On January 20, 2016 I was admitted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the scheduled induction of my fourth child. I was 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant.
AFE Survivor Erin C
After going through a miscarriage in August of 2014, I spent this last pregnancy very nervous. So when I went in the hospital to deliver my daughter, I figured I
In Memory of Alison and Eleanor
Alison and her husband were expecting their first child. She was overdue and admitted to the hospital where she was given medicine to prepare the cervix for delivery the next
AFE Survivor Miranda
On April 8, 2008 my husband and I headed to the hospital full of hope and anticipation for the arrival of our first child, a son we named Van. We
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
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
AFE Survivor Lisa
My husband and I were done having children. I had returned to work and worked my way back to being successful after staying home raising my two boys and one
AFE Survivor Alexis
On January 20, 2016 I was admitted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the scheduled induction of my fourth child. I was 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant.
AFE Survivor Erin C
After going through a miscarriage in August of 2014, I spent this last pregnancy very nervous. So when I went in the hospital to deliver my daughter, I figured I
AFE Survivor Michelle
When my husband and I found out we were pregnant with our first child, we were over-the-moon excited. Although I was considered “at advanced maternal age” for having a child,
Vanita’s story
Veteran mom loses her baby, suffers an AFE and survives, and now requires a kidney transplant.
In Memory of Shelbe
Our daughter, Shelbe, was the most kindhearted, loving person. She was outgoing and never knew a stranger. She was so proud that she was going to be a mom for
In Memory of Alison and Eleanor
Alison and her husband were expecting their first child. She was overdue and admitted to the hospital where she was given medicine to prepare the cervix for delivery the next
In Memory of Megan
Megan’s life began in May of 1980, the younger daughter of parents Dave and Karen. Her passion for life and giving ways were evident from day one. From her family
In Memory of Tara
Tara was born in Tulsa, Ok and raised in the small town of Coweta. She was the eldest of 3 siblings and very devoted to her family. Tara graduated in 2009
In Memory of Charlsie and Lily
Here is our story of how an AFE has turned our lives upside down. Dec 11th 2014 my wife texted me and said that it was time for me to
In Memory of Lisa
Lisa was blessed with a love of knowledge and possessed a self-confidence that led her to an adventurous life. While a student at Trinity High School she developed an interest
In memory of Pam
Pam was a faithful person who lived life to the fullest. She had a special way about her that warmed the hearts of everyone she met. Pam was the middle
In Memory of Becky
November, 4th 2003 was a day filled with excitement and anticipation for our family. My only sister Becky was scheduled to deliver her 2nd child by C-Section early that morning
In Memory of Paula
Mother’s legacy has raised funds for AFE research and kept family and friends connected in her absence.
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.