Amniotic Fluid Embolism Birth Story + Supporting Others through their own Birth Trauma

Kayleigh @thebirthtrauma_mama had a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. As a first-time mom, she knew birth would be one of the most challenging, but hopefully beautiful and empowering experiences of her life. She prepared in every way she could for her birth, but what she didn’t prepare for, what she couldn’t prepare for was to almost lose her life in the process. Kayleigh experienced an Amniotic Fluid Embolism when she was 10cm dilated with her son. She required a perimortem c-section, receiving CPR while her son was delivered. Through the tireless work of her incredible medical team and days of life-saving interventions, Kayleigh and her son both survived. But, as she soon realized, leaving the hospital was only the beginning of this journey. Birth trauma and its far-reaching impact would devastate her first year postpartum and forever change her life. This experience has served as the catalyst for Kayleigh’s support and advocacy work within the birth trauma community. 

*Amniotic Fluid Embolism is an incredibly rare, life-threatening obstetric emergency. Please visit @afefoundation to learn more.

Kayleigh Summers Bio

Kayleigh Summers is a licensed clinical social worker and private practice owner in Downingtown, PA. She specializes in perinatal trauma and has specific training in both perinatal mental health and EMDR. Kayleigh uses her training as a licensed therapist and her lived experience as an Amniotic Fluid Embolism survivor to treat and support families experiencing perinatal trauma. Kayleigh has also created thriving birth trauma support communities through Instagram and Tik Tok, as well as her podcast, where she provides connection, story sharing, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other trauma.

Connect with Kayleigh on Instagram & TikTok- @thebirthtrauma_mama, thebirthtraumamama.com or via her podcast.