VOMITING CONCERNS

Dear Dr.Bear,

I have a 1-week, 4-day old newborn, and for the past two days she wakes in the middle of the night to eat and stays up for a couple of hours at least. Within that time period she vomits 2-3 times. It’s not just a little spit up -- its more like a forceful projectile-type vomiting. She doesn’t do it during the day, just at night. I am very concerned. Please get back to me as soon as possible. I don’t know if I should take her to the doctor or not.

Sincerely,
Concerned Parent

Dear Concerned Parent,

Yes, you should take her to her doctor immediately, even during after hours to the emergency room or an after-hours or urgent care facility. Vomiting in a infant can be serious. You did not tell me if you are feeding by breast of bottle. Try to record how much she eats. The doctor may want to watch her feed and
also vomit. Please let me know how your visit went. I am concerned.

Sincerely,
Dr. Bear