3wk old still got jaundice- anything else i can do re feeding?

[olivo]

DD2 has still got jaundice, 3 weeks after birth. I'm not sure what else I can do. I am feeding whenever she wants, around every 1 1/2 to 2 hours, with the occasional 3 hour stretch at night.
she has plenty of wet nappies, and 3 or 4 poos a day.
I'm not sure if there is anyting else i personally can do, is there? the HV was going to phone the hospital to see if we need to go back for blood tests.
can anyone offer any advice?

[Twinsmommy]

My first born twin son suffered with jaundice. My HV told me to put him in the window in the direct sunlight as much as possible. Not that we have much at the moment, but it worked for us.

[olivo]

thanks twinsmommy - she has a little 'sunbathe' every day but it's still not shifting it. am worried its harming her or caused by something more sinister.

[Twinsmommy]

Can't think of what else to suggest except to chase your HV and make sure you get the tests done sooner rather than later. Hope your LO improves quickly.

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Not so much a sunbathe but just have her moses basket under a window so that she gets lots of natural light, and take her out in her pram for a walk every day.

Apart from that and plenty of bf on demand there's nothing else that you can do but I would also chase you hv for a decision about blood tests.

Hope it all clears up soon

[onehitwonder]

Hi Olivo

My DS has 'prolonged' jaundice (he is 3 months now and still looks a bit 'tanned'). We were referred to the hospital for tests when he was about 3 weeks (midwife or HV can refer I believe). This was to check that there was no serious underlying cause for the jaundice. They took blood (not the most fun for DS or us, but he was fine afterwards) and a wee sample. They confirmed in a week that there was nothing to worry about and my GP when I mentioned it at my 8 week check was very relaxed about it.
With DS he looks most yellow in the morning and it seems to improve during the day.

[TheProvincialLady]

How bad is it? My DS2 had it for 12 weeks, GP was not remotely concerned as it was mild and not affecting his growth or development. He never had a blood test.

If anyone (HV, GP, paed) tells you to give formula as a test or a treatment, you would be well advised to speak to one of the BF organisations first.

Have you googled breastmilk jaundice?

[olivo]

before we left hospital (3 days) they said her bilirubin levels weren't too high but there doesn't seem to be any improvement in the colour of her skin or her eyes. she has been outside for large parts of most days thanks to the lovely weather we've been having (don't worry, she doesn't really sunbathe!!)

HV is callingon thurs so will ask yo get referred back, just in case.
will look at breastmilk jaundice tomorrow.

not keen to do formula when bf is going ok
thanks for sharing your own situations, it's helpful to know that it can 'just happen'

[bunnybunyip]

DS was jaundiced for 4 months. Once they have checked it is breast milk jaundice with blood tests, which i would think you will need (but is by far the most common cause, so don't worry) then it is just a waiting game. our paediatrician said definitely don't stop breastfeeding, that is the worst thing to do, but dh took some convincing.