Decisions, Mistakes, and Consequences: A Family’s Experience

Stephanie and Eric Biesenbach faced a heartbreaking journey with their newborn daughter, Gwen. Born in August 2023, Gwen experienced severe bleeding from her belly button due to the decision not to receive a vitamin K injection, a standard practice for decades. Instead, her parents opted to give her oral vitamin K drops.

The Biesenbachs lived just a mile from an emergency room in New Braunfels, Texas. Concerned about Gwen’s bleeding, they brought her in for medical attention. The initial assessment by Dr. Nicole Malouf, an ER specialist, involved treating obvious bleeding from Gwen’s umbilical cord stump. However, after attempting multiple methods to stop the bleeding, the problem persisted, indicating a more serious issue.

The family, worried by the amount of blood loss, mentioned to Dr. Malouf their choice to forgo the vitamin K shot in favor of drops. Despite extensive efforts by Dr. Malouf over nearly three hours, including attempting seven different methods to control the bleeding, Gwen’s condition worsened. Dr. Malouf consulted colleagues but to no avail. Eventually, Gwen was transferred to a hospital with pediatric specialists.

Research underscores the importance of vitamin K injections in preventing severe bleeding disorders in newborns. Historically, the injection has virtually eradicated vitamin K deficiency bleeding, a rare but serious condition. Recent studies have shown increased risk for babies not receiving the shot, with a noted 347% increase in deficiency bleeding between 2017 and 2025.

The Biesenbachs were initially reassured at the ER about Gwen’s condition. However, with Gwen’s health rapidly declining, medical actions were less effective when they finally reached the hospital. The ER nurse’s questioning the vitamin K shot availability raised concerns. Prompt administration of vitamin K might have offered Gwen a fighting chance.

Gwen was transferred to North Central Baptist, a larger hospital in San Antonio, but by then, her condition was dire. Stephanie and Eric later criticized the delayed transfer and questioned the lack of immediate vitamin K intervention. Autopsy results confirmed vitamin K deficiency bleeding as the cause of death. They ultimately acknowledged they would choose the vitamin K shot if given another chance.

Conversations with healthcare experts reveal the importance of timely vitamin K shots. They can prevent such tragedies, with minimal downside. Precise medical care and proactive intervention are critical in emergencies. Traditional practices offer life-saving benefits when enforced universally.

Since losing Gwen, Stephanie and Eric have borne additional children who all received vitamin K shots. This sad experience has profoundly changed their perspective on newborn health decisions.