A Los Angeles firefighter is raising awareness about a rare and serious pregnancy complication that led to the tragic death of his wife, Hailey Marie Okula. Matthew Okula wants to educate expectant mothers about amniotic fluid embolism, a condition that can be life-threatening but is often not discussed.
Matthew hopes that by sharing Hailey’s story, he can encourage women to talk to their doctors about this complication. He believes that more awareness could lead to better understanding and research on how to prevent such tragedies in the future. “My hope is that we find a way to figure this out prior to it being a fatal complication,” he said.
The couple celebrated their pregnancy announcement on social media in September 2024 after struggling with nearly two years of in vitro fertilization. Hailey was well-known as a nursing influencer, sharing her experiences and offering support to new nurses through her popular Instagram account, “Rn New Grads.”
On March 29, just days after she was scheduled to be induced at Orange Coast Medical Center, Hailey gave birth to their son, Crew. The delivery initially went well, with Matthew cutting the umbilical cord and hearing their baby cry. However, shortly after, he learned that Hailey’s heart had stopped. Despite the efforts of medical staff, she could not be revived.
Amniotic fluid embolism occurs when amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream, causing a severe allergic reaction. This complication can happen suddenly during or after labor, and it can lead to heart and lung failure. It is estimated to affect about 1 in 40,000 births, with a mortality rate that can be as high as 60%.
Matthew is now leaning on the support of family, friends, and the online community that Hailey built. He hopes that by sharing their story, he can help others understand the risks associated with pregnancy and encourage more conversations between mothers and healthcare providers.