Hailey Okula, known as Nurse Hailey on social media, was widely recognized for sharing her journey through infertility and pregnancy. She was open about her struggles, helping others who faced similar challenges feel less alone. Her story resonated with many, and she built a strong following of people who admired her honesty.
Sadly, just after giving birth to her son, Hailey passed away, leaving her family and followers heartbroken. Her sudden passing shocked those who had been celebrating her long-awaited journey to motherhood.
Hailey had spent years talking about infertility, a topic that is often difficult for many to discuss. She shared her two-year battle with IVF and the emotional toll it took on her. With over 425,000 followers on Instagram, she used her platform to offer support to others experiencing similar struggles. She had finally achieved her dream of becoming a mother, but tragically, she did not have the chance to watch her son grow up.
On March 29, after delivering her baby, Crew, Hailey went into cardiac arrest. Her husband, Matthew Okula, later shared the devastating news in an emotional Instagram post. He expressed his deep sorrow, saying that his wife was everything he could have hoped for in a partner. He spoke about her strength, love, and unwavering support, especially during their battle with infertility.
Matthew also shared the challenges they faced during their IVF journey. He recalled an emotional moment when he apologized to Hailey for the toll the process had taken on her. She reassured him, saying they were a team and would get through it together. Their long-awaited moment of joy arrived in September when Hailey announced her pregnancy, calling it an indescribable feeling.
Reports later confirmed that Hailey suffered from amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), a rare but serious condition that affects about 1 in 40,000 births. Just minutes after delivery, she told the nurses she wasn’t feeling well before going into cardiac arrest.
Many of her followers expressed their grief, saying her openness had helped them through their own struggles. A GoFundMe page was created to support Matthew and Crew as they begin life without Hailey.
