Nurse Hailey Okula Dies After Long Infertility Struggle, Leaving Fans Heartbroken

• 2025-04-04
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Hailey Okula, widely known as Nurse Hailey, was a beacon of hope for millions of people battling infertility. Her brave journey through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF and her candid posts about the challenges she faced connected deeply with thousands. Tragically, Hailey's story took a heartbreaking turn when she passed away just after giving birth to her son on March 29.

A Courageous Journey to Parenthood

For nearly two years, Hailey and her husband, Matthew Okula, faced the unimaginable pain of infertility. Hailey, a nursing influencer with over 425,000 followers on Instagram, shared every moment of her IVF journey, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into the ups and downs of the process. Her transparency made her a trusted voice for those dealing with similar struggles.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hailey shared, “The journey has been hard, but so worth it.” After nearly two years of trying to conceive, she and Matt were finally expecting a baby. Their joy was palpable as Hailey announced her pregnancy in September, giving hope to others who had longed for the same happiness.

But, as Hailey’s fans followed her every step, little did they know that her fight was far from over.

A Joyous Birth, A Tragic Loss

On March 29, Hailey welcomed her son, Crew, via C-section. Though she only had a brief moment with him, she marveled at how “big” he was. Sadly, shortly after giving birth, Hailey began feeling unwell. Within minutes, she went into cardiac arrest.

Her husband, Matt, shared the heart-wrenching details in an emotional Instagram post, revealing that Hailey passed away due to complications from childbirth. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the unexpected passing of my beautiful wife, Hailey Marie Okula, due to complications from childbirth,” Matt wrote, expressing his profound grief. “Hailey was more than I could have ever dreamed of in a partner.”

The Silent Killer: Amniotic Fluid Embolism

In an interview with KTTV, Matt explained that Hailey’s death was caused by a rare and life-threatening condition known as amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). AFE occurs when amniotic fluid enters the bloodstream just before, during, or immediately after childbirth. It’s a rare complication, affecting roughly 1 in every 40,000 births in the U.S., but it’s one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Despite medical efforts, AFE is often fatal, with a survival rate of only about 40%.

As Matt recalled, Hailey had just given birth when she expressed that she wasn’t feeling well. Moments later, she went into cardiac arrest. “A minute later, the doctor comes in and lets me know that they’re doing CPR on her,” Matt recalled.

A Heartbroken Husband Remembers His Wife’s Strength

Matt reflected on Hailey’s unwavering strength throughout their infertility journey, sharing the deep love they had for each other. He spoke of the IVF process, the difficult decisions they faced, and how Hailey always stood by his side, no matter the challenge. “We are a team, and we’ll get through this together,” she once told him, reinforcing her role as a fighter and a mother before their son was even born.

Hailey’s followers, who had been inspired by her openness, were devastated by the news. Many expressed their heartbreak in comments on her social media pages, offering condolences and sharing how Hailey’s story had helped them through their own struggles with infertility. One follower wrote, “I’m heartbroken. Sending all the love to you and your family.” Another added, “Hailey was such an inspiration to the nursing community. She will never be forgotten.”

Hailey's Legacy: A Voice for Infertility Awareness

While Hailey’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy will continue to inspire countless people. As a nurse and a fierce advocate for infertility awareness, Hailey changed the way many approach these difficult conversations. Her willingness to be vulnerable made her a guiding light for others dealing with similar challenges.

To help Matt and baby Crew through this unimaginable time, a GoFundMe page has been set up. The page reads: “On what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Firefighter Matt Okula experienced the unimaginable. Please support Matt as he raises Crew alone, without the love of his wife by his side.”

Supporting the Fight Against Infertility

Hailey’s story is a reminder of how vital it is to continue pushing for awareness and support for those battling infertility. As her family, friends, and followers continue to mourn, they also rally around her memory, ensuring her work and advocacy will live on.

If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, Hailey’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Let’s continue to honor her legacy by supporting those who are navigating similar journeys.

How You Can Help:

• Share Hailey’s Story: Help spread awareness about infertility struggles and complications like amniotic fluid embolism.

• Support the Okula Family: Visit the GoFundMe page to offer your support to Matt and baby Crew during this challenging time.

• Follow Hailey’s Legacy: Stay connected with Hailey’s message and advocacy through social media and fertility support groups.