July 27, 2009

Jaundice

I was fit to be discharged from the hospital the day after I gave birth. Unfortunately baby's bilirubin level was 166, with the normal being <150. hubby's birthday at home instead of at the hospital. Anyhow, the paediatrician advised that we continue phototherapy at home for the next three days, so we rented a home phototherapy machine.





We just came back from a visit to the paediatrician to check her bilirubin level. Unfortunately it has risen to 220 but the paediatrician is not so concerned as today is already her 6th day. Nevertheless, he advised us to extend the phototherapy for two more days and check her bilirubin level again on Wednesday.

And mummy has to endure two more days of hot stuffy room in this sweltering weather as we were advised by the phototherapy folks against switching on the air-conditioner when the machine is switched on, as it would be too drying on baby's skin. But that's OK...I just hope her levels will be back to normal by Wednesday.

Updated (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)
We went to the paediatrician again to check on baby's bilirubin level, and to our dismay, it was still hovering around 220. But since it was already her 8th day, the paediatrician wasn't too concerned and even told us to return the phototherapy machine. He said we just need to sun her twice daily over the next few days – between 8.30 – 9.00am and 4.30 – 5.00pm. We'll need to check the bilirubin level again next Monday.

12 comments:

Cynful Pleasure said...

oh.. I hope she recover soon.. Breanna was about that level too when she is 5 days old, and I admitted her to the hospital for a double phototherapy session.. I am relieve when the level came down drastically.. but of course, the pocket burn a hole.. keep it up mummy, she be alright!

Liew said...

Poor bb.............hope she will be OK by Wednesday

Mummy Moon said...

Get well soon and Jaundice go far far away!

michelle@mybabybay said...

Congrats on your new born baby. Enjoy ur confinement!

LittleLamb said...

no worries..jaundice will go off in a 3-4 days time...

A Mom's Diary said...

Thanks all for your concern and best wishes. Hopefully her levels will be OK tomorrow.

2ma said...

i wish baby will be well really soon!!

2xMum said...

congrats on your new arrival! *hugs*

hope she get well soon.

Angeleyes said...

Last time Darrius has it for 3 weeks though I can't remember his bilirubin level but it was less than 200. The nurse told us to continue to feed and let him poo and pee.

Hope your little angel gets well soon...

SleeplessInKL said...

pls post info re: phototherapy machine rental. i wish i had one of those. i find it traumatic to be separated from my baby during the first few days, esp since i was breastfeeding.

ZMM said...

Good that all is well now.

I remember crying when Zara had to be admitted for phototheraphy.. and the dr asked, "this must be your 1st child huh?"..

With Zaria.. hehe.. no more crying even whn the paed drew blood fr her. :P

A Mom's Diary said...

2ma/Wonderful Life - thanks for your kind wishes.

Angeleyes - 3 weeks? That's a pretty long time, isn't it? So was he admitted for phototherapy in the hospital?

Mimi - the paediatrician gave us the company's number, we gave them a call, they came to set up the machine and briefed us on its operation, and wala, we're all set. They will come and collect it once we're given the all clear by the paediatrician. In any case, here's the phone number for the record: 012-3951311/03-79578137. They even have a website: www.bluelite.com.my

Zara's mama - YY was also jaundiced at birth and since I was bf, I opted to stay in the hospital with her. We were only discharged on the 6th day. Much tears were shed then too :-)