“Am I Going to Die?”: Candiace Dillard Bassett’s Emotional Fight for Her Life After Childbirth

Candiace Dillard Bassett, alum of The Real Housewives of Potomac and proud new mom, recently shared her harrowing experience with a postpartum complication that left her questioning her survival. Following the birth of her son, Jett Maxwell Lee Bassett, on October 3, Candiace faced a terrifying medical emergency that turned what should have been a joyful period into a deeply emotional and challenging ordeal.

A Life-Threatening Scare

Shortly after welcoming baby Jett, Candiace began experiencing alarming symptoms, including a fever spiking at 103°F, excruciating pain in her lower abdomen, and an inability to sit up, walk, eat, or breastfeed. Despite taking continuous Tylenol and Ibuprofen, her condition didn’t improve.

“I remember saying to Chris, ‘I feel like I’m going to die,’” she revealed, describing the fear that consumed her during those moments. Her husband, Chris Bassett, tried to reassure her, but the severity of her symptoms left her grappling with dark thoughts. “Am I going to live long enough for my son to know me?” she recalled. “Am I on borrowed time?”

Thankfully, her father, an emergency medicine doctor, urged her to return to the hospital immediately. There, doctors discovered she had developed a blood clot in her left ovary, a rare but serious postpartum complication.

The Road to Recovery

The diagnosis required Candiace to begin treatment with anticoagulant injections, a routine she’ll have to continue for the foreseeable future. Although the physical pain has eased, the emotional toll lingers. “Not being able to mother my child was the most awful feeling,” she shared.

Candiace also faced the postpartum blues, which soon deepened into depression. Seeking therapy became a crucial part of her healing process. “You have the biggest hormone drop of your life when you give birth,” she explained. “It can manifest in so many different ways.” She now encourages all new moms to seek support when navigating these challenges.

Leaning on Family Support

During her recovery, Candiace credits Chris for being an incredible partner and caregiver. With three older children from a previous relationship, Chris stepped up not only to care for Jett but also to support Candiace through her darkest moments. Her mother, Dorothy Watts, also played a key role in helping the family adjust.

“I’ve been able to smother my baby, put on a little bit of makeup, and get into a routine that feels good to me,” Candiace said, emphasizing the progress she’s made. While the journey has been far from easy, she’s relieved to have overcome the worst of her postpartum struggles.

A Message of Resilience

Candiace’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges many mothers face postpartum. By sharing her story, she hopes to shine a light on the importance of prioritizing both physical and mental health after childbirth.

The Real Housewives of Potomac continues to air Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo, but for Candiace, life beyond the cameras is now centered on her family and her journey to recovery.