Newborn Girl Left with Facial Scar After Emergency C-Section: Family Seeks Answers and Support
A Denver mother is speaking out after her newborn daughter was left with a deep facial wound during an emergency C-section—an injury so severe it required 13 stitches from a plastic surgeon. The emotional ordeal has left the family reeling and searching for both answers and accountability.
A Routine Birth Plan Shattered by Emergency
Reazjhana Williams entered the hospital in early June 2021 filled with anticipation and joy. She had planned for a natural birth and was eager to meet her daughter, whom she had named Kyanni. But within minutes of arriving, the tone shifted dramatically.
Doctors informed her they were unable to detect a heartbeat. Panic set in, and a decision was made to perform an emergency cesarean section.
“I was given a pill to help progress labor, and not long after that, I was being wheeled into surgery,” Reazjhana told local news outlet KDVR. Everything moved so quickly that she barely had time to process what was happening.
When Kyanni was born, there was an immediate sense of concern—not because of her vitals, but because of a deep, visible laceration across her cheek.
A Mother’s Joy Turns to Horror
Instead of experiencing the intimate moment of holding her daughter skin-to-skin, as most mothers do post-delivery, Reazjhana was told that her newborn needed urgent medical attention. The baby was whisked away to be seen by a plastic surgeon.
“I couldn’t even hold her,” Reazjhana said. “They handed her over to a surgeon. It was supposed to be one of the happiest moments of my life—and it turned into something completely different.”
The wound, reportedly caused during the surgical incision, ran from the baby’s temple to her cheek and was so severe that it required 13 stitches to close.
Medical Staff React, Family Left in Shock
Kyanni’s grandmother later spoke with reporters, explaining that the doctors claimed her head was unusually close to the placenta wall during the procedure, which may have made the incision site riskier. According to her, even the medical team appeared visibly shaken by the injury.
“They looked shocked—horrified even,” she said. “They didn’t expect to see that kind of wound on a newborn.”
While facial lacerations are a known, though rare, complication of emergency cesarean deliveries, the family insists that the injury was severe enough to raise serious questions about what went wrong in the operating room.
Reazjhana added, “I’ve tried to be understanding. I know it was an emergency. But to see your baby’s face like that… it’s hard to accept. And there are still a lot of unanswered questions.”
Hospital Responds, Public Reacts
Denver Health, where the delivery took place, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing sympathy for the family.
“Denver Health has been in contact with the family directly. While this is a known medical complication in emergency C-sections, our focus is always on providing care in the best interest of the mother and child,” the hospital said.
“At Denver Health, the safety and well-being of our patients is our number one priority.”
Despite the explanation, the public reaction has been one of concern and sympathy. Thousands have rallied around the family, both in person and online.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family cover medical expenses and potential follow-up treatments. The campaign has already raised over $11,000, with hundreds of donors leaving messages of encouragement and support.
“I can’t imagine what you’re going through,” one donor wrote. “Sending love to baby Kyanni and your entire family.”
Long-Term Questions Remain
For now, baby Kyanni is recovering well, though the full impact of the injury—both physical and emotional—remains to be seen. Her parents are still processing the trauma and working to ensure she receives the best care possible moving forward.
“It’s just heartbreaking,” said Damarqus, Kyanni’s father. “She’s uncomfortable, and we’re doing everything we can to make her feel safe and loved.”
As the family navigates the aftermath, they say their focus is on healing and advocating for greater transparency and care during emergency birth procedures.
“This was supposed to be a moment of joy,” Reazjhana said, “but now it’s something we’ll carry with us forever.”