A Mother's Heart Stops During Childbirth, Returns with No Memory

Chilling moments gripped a team of doctors and nurses this week during the delivery of Hillary Wilson, 41, who suffered a heart attack and was technically 'dead' for 11 minutes. An amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth caused Wilson's cardiac arrest, but the story didn't end there.

Her condition was so severe that doctors predicted even if she regained consciousness, she'd have only about 30% normal function. Defying those dire expectations, Wilson woke up four days later with a relatively 'small' issue: memory loss. She couldn’t remember being pregnant or giving birth to her fourth son, Felix, just days prior.

Initially, she struggled to recognize her older children or her husband. However, when her family spoke to her about their home and shared memories, she decided to trust them. "I chose to believe what everyone was telling me, even though I wasn't really sure," Wilson recalls. "I met Felix when he was six days old, and looking at him, I didn’t quite feel he was mine. I felt unsettled and relieved when my mother held him instead of me."

Realizing she needed to breastfeed her son, Wilson gradually began to regain faint memories of the past. "The bond with Felix started to spark hazy memories of pregnancy and delivery, and slowly, the maternal instinct returned. Now I can wholeheartedly say that my relationship with Felix is wonderful, and each moment feels like a dream."

"I also remember the doctors performing CPR for what felt like ages, and the adrenaline surging through my heart. I lost so much blood and needed numerous transfusions. The doctors didn't believe I'd survive childbirth. But here I am. It's a miracle I can't explain," Wilson concluded.

Illustration: shutterstock