June 17, 2026 · Rochester, Minnesota
Four minutes after Kayla Gengler’s emergency began, her daughter Ida was safely delivered—and then Kayla’s heart stopped. I'm Bennett Blackwood. Doctors at Mayo Clinic suspected an amniotic fluid embolism, a rare and life-threatening childbirth complication. Teams delivered Ida by emergency C-section and placed Kayla on E.C.M.O., temporarily supporting her heart and lungs. She also suffered multiple strokes and spent thirty-one days in the hospital, including rehabilitation. One year later, on Ida’s first birthday and Kayla’s ninth wedding anniversary, the family returned to thank the care team that helped bring both mother and baby home. [Kayla Gengler, original interview audio:] She’s turned one now. I just cherish everything—our walks, our park days, our family days and all of life’s amazing moments. Kayla continues to recover, and her family is celebrating the ordinary moments they once feared they might lose. The Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation offers patient and family support, education and research; its official link is in the article. Good stories every day. Follow Carpe Diem News. Seize the day. Share the good.
Original source sound: recorded interview.