Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Emergency help is needed for a newborn with green vomit.
Do not wait for a routine appointment, and do not continue feeding unless the emergency team advises it.
Increasing abdominal swelling, unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty, blood in vomit or stool, or very few wet diapers also require immediate assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
After surgery, seek urgent medical help for:
Green or repeated vomiting
A rapidly swelling or painful abdomen
Fever in a young infant
Blood in the stool
No stool or gas with vomiting and swelling
A wound that opens, drains pus, or becomes increasingly red
A stoma that becomes dark, stops working, or has very high output
Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or fewer wet diapers
Contact the child’s regular care team sooner if these changes are persistent or worsening.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for slower concerns such as feeding taking longer than expected, mild changes in stool pattern, difficulty moving to solid foods, or weight gain that seems limited.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Jejunal atresia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.