Jaundice

Our little sweetie is having a bit of a jaundice issue. Kaitlyn actually did, too, but it was mild. A level of bilirubin above 5 will result in jaundice. Many babies get mild jaundice and it usually goes away on it's own. Typically, the level will peak by 6 days old, and then fall. A level above 20 requires phototherapy (the blue "bili-light) in the hospital. After a couple days of phototherapy, it usually clears right up. A level above 25 brings increased risk for all sorts of awful things. (Yeah, I need to learn that Google is not always your friend).

Brianna's level was a 15 on Monday, which is high but does not require hospital treatment. We were to bring her back in 2 days to get the level rechecked. Also to feed often, exposure to natural light, and keep track of wet/dirty diapers. Today we brought her back, and the level actually increased to a 16, which is unusual since it usually peaks by now. Still does not require phototherapy, but it does need to be monitored carefully...so back we go on Friday for another check!

Wish us luck and cross your fingers for a lower level on Friday!!