ATLANTA — Editor's note: The above video is from the original report about Niesha and Ayah.
Niesha Alexander didn't remember being pregnant when she woke up from suffering an amniotic fluid embolism.
The condition is a rare and catastrophic complication of pregnancy in which amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enters into the maternal pulmonary circulation, causing cardiovascular collapse, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Her family says the joyous occasion of the birth of her daughter Ayah turned into a horrific nightmare when they learned what had happened. Doctors at Piedmont Cartersville had not seen an amniotic fluid embolism in 30 years at the hospital and were shocked at Niesha's bedside.
Following her delivery in 2021, Director of Perinatal Services at Piedmont Cartersville Kelly Costner said, "I've known of three amniotic embolisms in my career, and I've known only her to survive."
Her family says she only survived because she suffered a seizure at the time of her daughter's birth, and the force of the event helped bring her daughter into the world. Miraculously, Ayah survived without any injuries.
However, it's been a more difficult road for Niesha, who had to relearn how to do everything, from walking and talking to holding her baby.
When Niesha woke up, she had lost 10 years' worth of memories and had to relearn her life as well. Her mom, Andrea James, and her sister, Whitney Smith, have been with Niesha every step of the way.
"She has always been a fighter and my strength. She made it through therapy and she started enjoying her baby girl and her family. She learned how to do lashes and is now working at JTanner Lash Studio in Cartersville. She is rebuilding her entire life from the ground up," James said.
Now, she is trying to build her business from the ground up, too.
Niesha wants to live independently and support her daughter, Ayah. She is now three years old, and the mother-daughter duo is building a beautiful life together.
Niesha knows there is nothing she can't accomplish with Ayah by her side. They continue to beat the odds together.
