A Childbirth Nightmare Turned Disability Advocacy: An AFE-Survivor & Near-Death Story
Watch full interview on YouTube, available 30 September at 12:00 PM EST.
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Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The experiences and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and may not apply universally. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties related to maternal health, trauma, or mental well-being, please seek professional help and support. Trigger Warning: This podcast episode contains discussions about perinatal trauma, amniotic fluid embolism, coma experiences, and mental health challenges which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being while listening.
Imagine facing a life-altering medical emergency during one of the most joyous times of your life - the birth of your child.
This is the reality that Catherine Garrett, a maternal health and disability advocate, has bravely navigated. In a powerful interview on our podcast, Catherine shared her remarkable story of resilience, advocacy, and the unwavering strength that has carried her through unimaginable challenges.
Catherine's journey began with the birth of her first daughter, which she initially did not realize was a traumatic experience. However, the aftermath of an unplanned C-section and a subsequent uterine infection left her feeling fearful and struggling with postpartum mood disorders. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her perinatal trauma journey.
During the birth of her second daughter, Catherine experienced a devastating amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare and life-threatening condition.
In her own words, Catherine described the harrowing experience: "I had what's called an amniotic fluid embolism, or an AFE, and that is when amniotic fluid gets in the mother's bloodstream, which does happen during pregnancy. But for some reason certain moms with certain pregnancies, because, mind you, I'd already had one pregnancy, I had basically like an allergic like reaction to the amniotic fluid."
The consequences were severe, as Catherine went into cardiac and respiratory arrest, experienced a debilitating bleeding and clotting disorder, and suffered a stroke. She spent nine days in a coma and underwent multiple surgeries, ultimately emerging with permanent disabilities.
She spoke of coding multiple times in the first 24 hours, her husband's unwavering support, and the moment her daughter was brought to meet her - an interaction Kathy has no conscious memory of, yet one that marked a turning point in her recovery.
The most striking aspect of Cathy's journey is the lasting impact of perinatal trauma on her body and mind.
"Your body remembers, even if you consciously don't, it completely remembers," she explained, detailing how her body reacts to medical situations and the trauma of her experience.
Yet, through it all, Catherine's resilience and determination shone through. She has become a powerful voice in the maternal health and disability advocacy space, using her experiences to support and empower others.
As she shared, "Well, I don't think there was a moment where it was like, 'I'm going to be a maternal health and disability advocate like I don't think that that happened.' It was really over time."
Connect with Cathy
To hear more about Catherine's inspiring journey, her insights on the healthcare system, and her advice for other survivors, be sure to listen to the full interview. Her story is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and healing can prevail.
You can reach Cathy below:
Website: www.birthtraumastories.com
Email: [email protected]
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daisy May Reyes is a spiritual life coach and guide dedicated to helping women heal from the deep emotional wounds of pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and infertility. Drawing from her own transformative experiences, Daisy empowers women to release pain, find peace, and connect with their spirit babies. As the host of the WOMBen Collective™ podcast, she provides a compassionate space for women to explore their journeys and gain spiritual insights. Daisy's mission is to guide women toward healing, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. When she's not working, she delights in nature walks, powerlifting, and spending time with her family.
