The Day My Baby Vomited Bright Yellow Milk
You step into a new world of joy, love and anxiety when you become a mother or father. Sleepless nights, countless decisions and uncharted waters await you as you navigate the unknown. Nothing can prepare you for when your baby has a medical crisis. This moment happened to me when my baby was only ten days old.
A Normal Evening Starts
The evening was an ordinary one when I sat down with my partner and newborn son. He was a calm, happy baby who rarely cried and was perfectly content to feed, snuggle, and drift to sleep. In the next room was our 21-month-old child, who was blissfully unaware of what was about to happen. I had no idea that this night was going to change my life forever.
I heard my baby make some strange sounds as we were getting ready for bed. Before I had time to process the situation, he projectile vomited brightly yellow milk. Bright yellow. Like highlighter fluorescent. The shock came on immediately; I felt a panic wave wash over me. It was alarming to say the least, and looked like something out of a horror film.
The Panic Sets in
At that moment, my brain went into autopilot. My sleep-deprived mind struggled to make sense of the situation, so I grabbed my mobile to call the health service. In retrospect, I know I should have taken him to the ER, but I was in a panic and didn’t want to do that. I was terrified, unsure and yet I knew that I had to act.
The nurse didn’t need to hear everything. She urged me immediately to bring him to the emergency room as soon as I told her about the bright yellow vomit. Her tone was grave and left no room for any doubt.
My partner was at home with our toddler, who desperately needed his dummy. My baby was safely in his car seat as I drove to the emergency department. It was surreal to drive there. As I worried about my baby, each moment seemed to stretch into eternity. I still remember that sickening sensation deep in my stomach, a knot I couldn’t untangle until I knew that he was safe.
The Emergency Room
The staff at the hospital recognized the seriousness of the situation almost instantly. The words “bright, yellow projectile vomiting” triggered a rapid response. The baby was placed quickly on a gurney and within what seemed like a blink of an eye, he was in the ambulance heading to Sydney Children’s Hospital.
As I realized that I couldn’t accompany him to the ambulance, I felt sicker. I was forced to follow him in my car while watching the flashing light in the distance. As I followed behind, a feeling of helplessness washed over me. No parent should have to chase a baby ambulance. I hope that you will never experience this feeling.
Arrival at Children’s Hospital
On my arrival at the Children’s Hospital I was greeted with a frenzy of activity. The staff was nothing less than amazing. They worked quickly and efficiently to assess the condition of my baby. He was connected to machines that beeped and flashed, all of which monitored his tiny body. As they tried to insert the IV, they ran into a problem–they could not find a vein.
Each failed attempt made my heart sink. My anxiety increased when I heard discussions about the possibility of having to put an IV in his brain. I was terrified and overwhelmed, unable to comfort my baby who was crying. It was an experience I’ll never forget. My fragile child was so small and helpless surrounded by medical gear, and I couldn’t do anything to help him.
The Grim Reality
A nurse came to me with a breast pump in the middle of the chaos. My mind was racing as I started to pump. The nurse sat next to me and gently wiped my tears away. She said that based on the color of her vomit, she suspected he may have a twisted intestinal tract. Her words were a huge shock. If their suspicions are correct, the intestines of my baby could be compromised. He could die if they don’t act soon.
In that moment, it felt as if I were trapped in a dream. It was surreal to be in the cold, dark room that they used to X-ray my baby. I remember waiting what seemed to be an eternity for results. While I was unable to touch him, he lay on the floor, hooked up with machines. My baby was in pain, and I felt powerless. I was surrounded by medical personnel who were trying their best, but couldn’t provide the comfort I wanted to give.
The Moment of Relief
After what seemed like an eternity, finally, we heard the good news that his bowels were fine. Relief washed me over like a tsunami, and I could not help but cry. I was overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, including fear, anxiety and pure joy. I finally got to hold my child again. I hugged him tight, as if I’d never let go. I felt safest when his body was against mine.
Reflecting on Experience
Not all stories end in the same way. My baby was able to survive this experience. My mother called me a few months later to tell me about another child, Alexander, a friend’s baby. He was also vomiting bright yellow liquid. As I listened to the story, my heart dropped. I remembered how terrified I was.
Baby Alexander was in a much worse condition. His bowels were twisted and he had a critical illness. He died sadly. I felt a deep sadness for his family knowing that they would not be able to hold their precious child again. This made me realize how lucky I was to hold my son in my arms and renewed my gratitude for the moments we shared.
Understanding Vomiting in Babies
Vomiting is more common in babies than most parents think. Vomiting in babies is a common symptom that can be scary to watch. The contents of the baby’s stomach are forced out through their mouth when they vomit. This is different than normal spitting or reflux.
Common causes of vomiting in babies:
- Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of vomiting in children. The symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever.
- Poisoning by Food: It occurs when bacteria grow in food that has been poorly prepared or stored. The symptoms are severe, and include nausea and diarrhea.
- Infections, Conditions such as urinary tract infection or respiratory infections may cause vomiting in children, particularly younger ones.
- More Severe Conditions: Bowel obstructions or twisted intestines may cause severe vomiting, and need immediate medical attention.
Recognizing Symptoms
Other symptoms can accompany vomiting in babies, such as:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Coughing and breathing problems
Projectile Vomiting occurs when the force from vomiting can propel the contents so far that they can travel more than a meter. If it is accompanied by any other symptoms, this can be a sign of a serious problem.
When to Seek Medical Assistance
You should always take your child to the doctor when they are less than six months old, vomiting or showing signs of dehydration.
Watch for these Key Signs:
- All babies less than six months or 8 kg.
- Children younger than three years of age who have vomited for more than 12 hours.
- Children younger than six years of age who have vomited for more than 24 hours.
- A severe abdominal or rectal ache.
- High fever (above 38.5 °C)
- Dehydration can be indicated by dry lips, fewer wet diapers or lethargy.
How to care for a baby who is vomiting at home
You can usually manage the situation yourself if your child is vomiting, but not showing signs of dehydration. Here are some tips.
- Keep your baby hydrated. Continue breastfeeding your breastfed baby more often. Switch to water or oral rehydration solution for the first twelve hours. Then, gradually introduce formula.
- Res: Make sure your baby is getting enough rest. Their bodies require energy to combat whatever is causing them to vomit.
- Avoid solid Foods. It’s okay for your child to refuse solid food for a few days. Keep them hydrated. Food can wait.
- Monitor symptoms: Be aware of their condition. Seek medical attention as soon as symptoms worsen, or if new symptoms appear.
The Emotional Toll
A medical emergency involving your infant can be a stressful experience for parents. Fear, anxiety and helplessness are all common emotions. Fear, guilt and anger are all normal emotions. It’s important to share your emotions with someone who you can trust during these difficult times. This could be a friend, partner or mental health professional. It’s important to have a strong support system when navigating through these difficult experiences.
Prevention and Awareness
Good hygiene can reduce the risk of infection. Here are some helpful tips:
- Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands.
Especially after handling food or changing diapers. This simple action can prevent the spread of germs.
- Safe food practices: Make sure all foods are prepared and stored in a safe manner. Always check the expiration date on leftovers.
- Vaccinations Keep up-to-date with your child’s vaccines. Vaccines protect against certain illnesses that can cause vomiting.
- Watch for symptoms: Be sure to pay attention to any changes in your baby’s behaviour and any symptoms that they may show. Early intervention is often the best way to prevent more serious problems.
Enjoy Every Moment
It was one of my most frightening moments in my life when I saw my baby throw up bright yellow vomit. It taught me valuable lessons about life’s fragility and the importance of being vigilant as a mother. Knowing that things can change quickly, I treasure every moment with my son.
In retrospect, it is important to trust your instincts when you are a parent. Do not hesitate to get medical attention if you feel something is wrong. Education and awareness about health problems can have a big impact.
You are not alone if this story speaks to you, or if something similar has happened in your life. Parenthood comes with many challenges, but also with moments of profound love and joy. You should trust your instincts and seek help when necessary. Above all, you should cherish your time with your children.
Last Note
I urge all parents to take an active role in recognizing the symptoms and signs of possible health problems in their infants. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a more serious illness, or a minor one, can make a huge difference. You’re not only caring for your child, you are also advocating for his or her health and wellbeing. Remember to always ask for help when faced with challenges. Together, we can navigate the unpredictable journey of parenting.
