Every parent understands the constant challenge of safeguarding their children from various everyday hazards. From furniture to food and outdoor elements, the risks are numerous for young children.
A mother in Portland, Maine, faced a parent’s worst nightmare when her baby was harmed by what appeared to be an insignificant item.
Folichia Mitchell, a mother of four, including 9-month-old daughter Kennedy Jane, shared her harrowing experience after Kennedy Jane swallowed a water bead in late October, leading to a life-threatening situation.
Water beads, popular sensory toys, are harmless when used under adult supervision. These small beads expand in water and are about the size of a pebble.
Hazard: Water beads expand
Tragically, this expansion proved perilous when Kennedy Jane ingested the bead. Upon ingestion, the bead swelled to over a centimeter, causing her intestines to rupture.
Unable to vocalize her distress, Kennedy’s mother only realized something was wrong when her daughter stopped eating normally.
“She did not eat for two days,” Mitchell recounted to WMTW. “When we got to Portland Hospital, she had not even gotten off the stretcher before she started throwing up bile.”
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Intestinal Blockage and Medical Procedures
Describing the situation, Kennedy’s mother expressed, “The bead caused a blockage in her small intestine, leading to swelling that resulted in internal leakage, sepsis, and an infection. She underwent three surgeries this week. Her lungs, heart, and kidneys were all under duress.”
A friend of the family initiated a GoFundMe page to assist with the family’s needs during this challenging period, including Kennedy’s care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit while managing her three brothers.
Since November 1, Kennedy has been hospitalized, showing signs of improvement. However, she is still battling multiple infections and is slated for another surgery next Wednesday.
READ MORE: Mother issues warning after daughter (1) tragically dies after ingesting object on table
Misleading Warning Labels?
Mitchell never imagined that such a trivial item could cause such harm. While the warning label highlighted a choking risk, she never envisioned it could lead to severe organ damage in her daughter.
“Parents aren’t given the chance to make an informed decision before purchasing,” Mitchell emphasized. “Had I known it could be toxic if ingested and cause blockages, I would have never brought them home.”
Kennedy Jane’s mother is now advocating for clearer warnings on water beads to prevent others from enduring what her daughter went through. She implores:
”I really hope that people can think of my daughter in a positive way or pray for her so she’ll get through this.”
We will keep Kennedy Jane in our thoughts, and we encourage you to do the same!
