A Heart-Wrenching Decision After Joyous Childbirth

Outside the hospital, Matthew Okula faced an unimaginable choice. Just after welcoming their son Crew via cesarean section, doctors raced his wife, Hailey Okula, 33, to the intensive care unit at Orange Coast Medical Center. As the elevator doors closed, a doctor posed a question that would haunt him: Should he stay with his newborn or follow his wife to the ICU?

In an instant, Matthew chose to chase after Hailey, his heart pounding as he watched through the ICU's glass window, witnessing doctors desperately perform chest compressions on his wife.

The Heartbreaking Loss of Nurse Hailey

Tragically, on March 29, Hailey, affectionately known as "Nurse Hailey" on social media, passed away due to amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but devastating complication. This heart-wrenching event followed a two-year struggle with infertility, including invasive treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Matthew vividly remembers standing at the foot of the bed, grappling with disbelief: "How is this even possible?"

A National Crisis: Maternal Mortality Rates in the U.S.

This tragedy raises alarming questions about maternal health in the U.S. Hundreds of women lose their lives annually during or shortly after pregnancy. Despite advances in reproductive technology, the healthcare system has yet to ensure sufficient protection for soon-to-be mothers.

While 2023 saw a slight decline in maternal mortality rates—from 22.3 to 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births—the progress remains uneven. Black women face an alarming maternal mortality rate that is 3.5 times higher than that of their white counterparts. Compared to other affluent nations, the U.S. lags significantly, with countries like the U.K. and Canada reporting far lower rates.

Addressing the Unacceptable: Why Maternal Deaths Are Preventable

Shockingly, about 80% of maternal deaths are deemed preventable, highlighting the urgent need for better prenatal care, insurance coverage, and nutritional support. Factors such as chronic diseases and advanced maternal age exacerbate risks, with the CDC reporting that 60% of Americans now live with chronic conditions.

The Reality of Aging and Pregnancy

As more women choose to have children later in life, the risks associated with pregnancy only increase. For instance, the birth rates among women aged 40 and older have skyrocketed by 193% from 1990 to 2023. With age comes higher chances of complications such as gestational diabetes and preterm births, which can lead to a host of health issues.

A Difficult IVF Journey One Moment of Joy

For Hailey and Matthew, their dream of starting a family came after a painstaking IVF journey, filled with emotional ups and downs. After months of trials, they finally rejoiced in their pregnancy announcement, sharing their joy with their followers. But that joy would soon be overshadowed by tragedy.

Reflecting on a Shared Love and Loss

Matthew remains heartbroken yet determined to honor Hailey's memory. On a recent outing to the park—a beloved spot they frequented together—he shared stories of his late wife with their son, Crew. Even though the baby cannot yet comprehend, these moments serve as a cherished way for Matthew to keep Hailey's spirit alive.

To Raise Awareness and Remember

As Matthew opens up about his family's plight, he hopes to shine a light on the imperative issue of maternal health. He believes that sharing Hailey’s story could inspire change, encouraging conversations around the need for better healthcare protections for mothers—a cause that is far too often kept in the shadows.