How I Turned My Baby Orange

Accidentally, of course.

In 1984 there was no internet. All I had were paperback books to help guide me on being a good mother. My main go to was Dr Benjamin Spock’s Baby and Child Care book.

The eighties were a time physicians were plentiful, not like today’s doctor shortage.

In our small town of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, we had three doctor’s offices and at least ten doctors to choose from. I could easily get a same day appointment.

I must admit, I was a somewhat naïve young mother, and the baby guide books didn’t always prepare me for all I dealt with.

In my defence, I was twenty-five years old. Had never held a baby until my first in 1982. Even though this was my second child, I still felt incompetent.

I’d played with dolls as a child. I could throw them in a corner and ignore them for a day. If they broke, well, I got another one. Not great preparation for real motherhood.

Yes, I was often nervous. Afraid I wasn’t doing everything right. Fearful, like I’d been as a child in school — wanting to be perfect.

My panic really set in one morning when I noticed my son’s skin colour was orange.

Fearing something was dreadfully wrong, I called the doctor’s office and got an appointment for that afternoon.

Until I made it to the doctor, I searched the childcare books and tried to find an answer.

While I wait, I worried. I knew yellow skin was a sign of jaundice, but I’d never heard of orange.

At the appointment, I stripped my son down to his diaper for the doctor to examine him.

The doctor turned to me and asked, “Does he eat lots of carrots?”

Carrots. I thought. What is with this doctor? Why is he asking me about what my baby eats?

“Yes,” I answered unable to connect the dots. “It’s his favourite food,” I added. “The only vegetable he’ll eat. He spits all the others out.” I looked from the doctor to my son, asked, “Why?”

“Because a large consumption of carrots can raise the carotene levels in the blood and change skin colour.”

“Oh,” I said, stunned and relieved, but still concerned. “So he’s okay?” I asked, and just to be sure, I added, “So, there’s nothing seriously wrong with him?”

“He’s okay.” The doctor smiled. “Got lots of vitamin A. Probably has very good eyesight.”

I smiled, a little embarrassed.

“If you cut back on the carrots,” the doctor said. “His skin colour will go back to normal.”

“Okay, I’ll do that,” I said, putting my son’s clothes back on. “Thank you so much.”

“Anytime,” the doctor said.

I left the office thankful everything would be okay. But also aware that with two small children, it wouldn’t be long until another situation arose.

BARBARA CARTER is a visual artist and writer with a focus on healing from childhood trauma, alcohol addiction, and living her best authentic life.

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