Nursing influencer Hailey Okula dies from rare childbirth complication just moments after meeting her newborn son
After a long infertility journey, beloved nurse and social media star Hailey Okula tragically passed away from a rare condition shortly after giving birth. Her story has touched millions.
Hailey Okula, a popular nursing influencer who openly shared her emotional battle with infertility, has died from a rare childbirth complication—just minutes after delivering her baby boy.
For two years, Hailey Okula invited her followers into one of the most personal and difficult chapters of her life—her struggle with infertility. Known online as “Nurse Hailey,” she became a beacon of hope for many women facing similar challenges, sharing every step of her IVF journey with honesty, strength, and grace.
With over 425,000 followers on Instagram and more than 200,000 on TikTok, Hailey’s story was more than content—it was a lifeline for others. In September 2024, she and her husband, firefighter Matt Okula, announced they were expecting their first child. The couple named him Crew.
Hailey called the moment “indescribable,” writing, “The journey has been hard, but so worth it.”
A rare and fatal complication
On March 29, the day Hailey gave birth via C-section, she was finally able to hold the child she had prayed so long for. But within minutes, something went terribly wrong.
Just two minutes after Crew was born, Hailey told nurses she didn’t feel well. Then, she went into cardiac arrest.
Her husband, Matt, shared in an interview that doctors rushed in and began CPR. He was left facing an unimaginable decision: “Am I going to the ICU with my wife or staying with my newborn baby?”
Hailey had suffered a rare condition called amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). It happens when amniotic fluid enters a mother’s bloodstream, causing a severe allergic-like reaction. AFE is extremely rare—affecting only 1 in 40,000 births in the U.S.—but it’s one of the top causes of maternal death during childbirth. Sadly, around 60% of those who experience it don’t survive.
A legacy of love, strength, and purpose
Hailey’s death has shaken her family, followers, and the nursing and infertility communities she championed. Her husband described her as “gorgeous, smart, hardworking, passionate, trustworthy, and above all else, unbelievably loyal.”
He recalled one touching memory during their IVF journey: “I broke down and apologized for what it was doing to her body. She held my face and said, ‘We are a team. We’ll get through this together.’ That was Hailey.”
Though her time with her son was heartbreakingly short, she did get to see him—if only for a moment. Matt says she looked at Crew and joked about “how big he was.” That memory, he says, will stay with him forever.
Support pours in from around the world
After news of Hailey’s passing broke, fans flooded social media with messages of love and grief.
“Hailey made such an impact on the nursing community and will never be forgotten.”
“We love you so much, Hailsyeahhh, and promise to love baby Crew and Matt.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Matt as he begins life as a single father. The page reads, “On what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Firefighter Matt Okula experienced the unimaginable.”
What Hailey leaves behind
Hailey Okula’s story isn’t just one of tragedy—it’s one of courage, love, and connection. She inspired thousands by opening up about her pain and hope. Through her advocacy, she broke down the stigma around infertility, helped others feel less alone, and showed what it means to fight for a dream, even when the odds feel impossible.
Her spirit lives on in her son Crew, in the hearts of her followers, and in the stories of countless women she helped without ever meeting.
The hidden risks of childbirth
Hailey’s death also highlights a crucial issue: maternal mortality in the U.S. While AFE is rare, the United States continues to have one of the highest maternal death rates among developed countries. Many women and families aren’t aware of the risks, especially during C-sections or when complications arise unexpectedly.
Hailey’s story is a painful but powerful reminder of the need for continued research, awareness, and support for maternal health.
Hailey Okula wanted nothing more than to become a mom—and she achieved that dream. Even though she isn’t here to raise her son, her love and legacy will guide him as he grows.
As her husband said, “Her spirit, courage, and love will live on in our son, and in everyone whose lives she touched.”
May her story continue to inspire, educate, and remind us of the strength found in vulnerability—and the deep, enduring power of a mother’s love.
If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility or grieving a loss, you are not alone. Resources and communities exist to offer support.
