Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is life-threatening, unpredictable, sudden, and complex. Miranda Klassen and Kayleigh Summers are two remarkable survivors and leading voices in AFE advocacy, education, and research. In this episode, they describe their life changing experiences, reflect on how AFE can impact nurses and other health care professionals, and share their mission driven work to heal. Immerse yourself in this episode in order to connect with the tools and resources you need to prepare for an AFE or to support survivors.

Meet our guests:

Miranda Klassen, BSc

Miranda Klassen is the Executive Director of the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation, a non-profit organization she founded in 2008, after surviving an AFE during the birth of her son. Miranda is also a co-investigator for the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Registry and Biorepository and has authored several publications on AFE and support after a severe maternal event. She is a frequent lecturer and serves on multiple boards and maternal health initiatives. She lives in San Diego, CA, with her husband Bryce, a critical care nurse, and their son, Van.

Kayleigh Summers, LCSW, PMH-C

Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. Drawing from her clinical expertise and lived experience as an amniotic fluid embolism survivor, Kayleigh is dedicated to supporting families navigating perinatal trauma and collaborating with healthcare institutions to implement trauma-informed care tailored to pregnant and postpartum populations. As The Birth Trauma Mama, Kayleigh has cultivated vibrant support communities through Instagram, TikTok, and her podcast, offering connection, storytelling, and valuable resources for individuals impacted by perinatal trauma. Her work bridges clinical knowledge and personal insight, fostering hope and healing for those in need.

Episode Resources

  • Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation 
  • AFE Effective Communication Guide 
    • Klassen, M., Summers, K. (2025). Effective communication during and after an amniotic fluid embolism. MCN. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 50(5), 269-276. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000001121. 
  • AFE Management and Treatment 
    • Pacheco, L. D., Clark, S. M., Fox, K., Bauer, M. E., & Clark, S. L. (2025). Use of atropine, ondansetron, and ketorolac in suspected amniotic fluid embolism. Obstetrics and Gynecology.  doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006095. 
    • Cao, D., Arens, A. M., Chow, S. L., Easter, S. R., Hoffman, R. S., Lagina, III, A. T., Lavonas, E. J., Patil, K. D., Sutherland, L. D., Tijssen, J. A., Wang, G. S., Zelop, C. M., Rodriguez, A. J., Drennan, I. R., & McBride, M. E. (2025). Part 10: Adult and pediatric special circumstances of resuscitation: 2025 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation, 152(suppl 2), S578–S672. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001380. 
    • Ripoll, J. G., Kahn-Pascual, Y. O., Seelhammer, T. G., Bittner, E. A., Chang, M. G., Ortoleva, J., Soto, J. C. D., Elmadhoun, O., Naoum, E. E., Wieruszewski, P. M., Nabzdyk, C. G., & Ramakrishna, H. (2025). ECMO in pregnancy: Analysis of indications, management and outcomes. Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jvca.2025.08.030. 
  • The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast 
  • Holding Hope Perinatal  
  • Documentary: 24 Days Without You 
  • Postpartum Support International: Karen Kleinman’s Postpartum Stress Center 
  • Preeclampsia Foundation 
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Theory

 

 

 

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