363; Life-Threatening Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A Story of Birth Trauma, Survival, and Healing with Kayleigh Summers, LCSW, PMH-C

Today’s episode carries a sensitivity notice for anyone currently processing a birth trauma and anyone who isn’t prepared for hearing a life-threatening birth story. Please care for your emotional health and use your judgment and join us for Kayleigh’s story if you are able. 

Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Through sharing her lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh supports families through perinatal trauma. She has created thriving support communities through Instagram and TikTok, and she uses her podcast, The Birth Trauma Mama, to provide connection, storytelling, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other types of trauma.

Show Highlights:

• Kayleigh’s first pregnancy, which was typical until her routine appointment at 40 weeks and two days
• Kayleigh’s very long (three days!) induction process, which she doesn’t remember
• The reality of the feeling of impending doom–and how it differs from anxiety or a panic attack
• Her heart stoppage, CPR, and the birth of her son while she was technically “not alive”
• Kayleigh’s son, 10 lbs. 14 oz., had to be resuscitated at birth.
• Details about amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and possible risk factors
• The profound hemorrhage that accompanies AFE (Kayleigh needed 143 units of blood products through her ordeal.)
• The seriousness of Kayleigh’s condition: another resuscitation, ECMO life support, an immediate hysterectomy, and an impeller (windmill-like device) to help her heart pump blood
• Trauma response, retrograde amnesia, and how our brains protect us
• The sad, beautiful account of Kayleigh’s first moments with her son (5 days after his birth)
• Additional abdominal surgeries, a long ICU stay, and finally home after 14 days
• The aftermath of Kayleigh’s experience: her emotional and physical pain, not being able to mother her son, and the grief of knowing she would not bear another child
• Therapy support, talking about feelings, and an ongoing healing journey
• Kayleigh’s decision to help other people through perinatal trauma
• Kayleigh’s message to birth trauma survivors

Resources:

Connect with Kayleigh Summers: Website, Instagram, and The Birth Trauma Mama podcast

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!