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 Larissa
Larissa was a kind and giving soul. A member of the Ojibwe tribe, caring for others was an inherent part of her Native American heritage. ⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ “Riss” loved children,

In Memory of Martha
In memory of Martha, a beloved mother of 2 from Kenya. ⠀ ⠀ A mom before the age of 18, Martha quickly adjusted to the many responsibilities of having a

In Memory of Rachel
In memory of Rachel, a devoted wife, loving daughter, kind big sister, loyal friend who is deeply missed by all who loved her. ⠀ ⠀ Whether camping and hiking, shopping

In Memory of Hue-Lien
When Hue-Lien learned early in 1989 she would be having a baby that December, she couldn’t wait to share the news with her husband and 8 year old son. “This

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

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

AFE Survivor Katy
I had a very normal, albeit, anxious pregnancy as I had miscarried a few years prior. I had no reason to believe that anything could or would go wrong during

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

Jenny’s Story
AFE survivor from the U.K. shares her touching story as she draws near to her daughter’s first birthday.

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

AFE Survivor Kristy
First time pregnancy – I had just turned 40 years old on 8/24/2012, about a month before due date. Had a great pregnancy, no issues with the baby or myself

AFE Survivor Trina
On Sept 9, at 11:52 pm my water broke while I was in my bed. I knew I better get to the hospital. They admitted me and began a pitocin drip to

AFE Survivor Christy
This is my AFE story that I would like to share with you. On November 29th, 2004, my husband Nick and I packed our bags to head to the hospital

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

AFE Survivor Trina
On Sept 9, at 11:52 pm my water broke while I was in my bed. I knew I better get to the hospital. They admitted me and began a pitocin drip to

AFE Survivor Christy
This is my AFE story that I would like to share with you. On November 29th, 2004, my husband Nick and I packed our bags to head to the hospital

AFE Survivor Allison
My name is Allison and I live in the U.K. My AFE happened during the birth of our daughter in 2010. I was already in hospital at 37 weeks needing

AFE Survivor Hope
March 20, is the first day of spring. A time when we are reminded of rebirth and new beginnings. This day, six years ago, was certainly a new beginning for

AFE Survivor Angela
There’s little other way to present our story than with a timeline of sorts – and any one of the events in the timeline are completely overwhelming. First, I gave

AFE Survivor Ashley
Being a part of a small online support community of those affected by AFE creates a bond that defies distance and sometimes even language. Members often share very personal feelings

AFE Survivor Vicky
On November 15th I headed to the hospital for the 20 week ultrasound scan. So excited to share this special moment, I took the entire family including my mum. The

AFE Survivor Jill
As featured in the JOLIET HERALD NEWS By Jeanne Millsap, For The Herald-News JOLIET — Mothers usually have one big prayer during their pregnancies — that nothing goes wrong 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.