Jaundice treatment in a Baby Friendly hospital - advice needed!

[QueenOfFarkingEverything]

Friend has a baby 4 days ago. He's been put under lamps for jaundice and she is only 'allowed' to get him out to feed for 10 mins every 3 hours.

That cannot be right, surely, in a BFI accredited unit?

[QueenOfFarkingEverything]

Thank you everyone for the advice

Baby's bilirubin levels are falling but she's been advised that needs to continue over two further blood tests before he can come out from the lamps. In the early hours she managed to get the lamp positioned over her bed for a while so he could have a good long feed and cuddle whilst still under it - she did it herself as the crying was tearing her up, and the staff were surprised but said they couldn't fault her logic . And she's expressing but he's refused every method of getting the milk into him so far - she's going to try letting him suck drops at a time from her little finger now.

[knackeredmother]

Does he not have an ng tube for top up feeds or iv fluids? 10 mins every 3 hours is really insufficient for a new born.

[QueenOfFarkingEverything]

Nope, no iv or ng tube.

She's been told 10 mins every hour is sufficient. She is expressing for him, her milk is in and she has plenty - but it wasn't suggested to her by anyone at the hospital, in fact they told her she wouldn't have any milk yet so it wasn't necessary

[VivaLeBeaver]

Has she asked to speak to the breastfeeding lead? Or even the ward manger? Because it does sound like she's getting some duff info.

[zoobaby]

Sounds like your friend is doing everything possible in trying circumstances. My DS had to have double phototherapy and I was like one of the earlier posters - felt like the end of the world and stood there bawling. It was not explained very well at all and I fretted all afternoon til the 8pm shift change when I was Lucky to encounter a MW who could explain it clearly. The logic presented to me was that the more light therapy you could cram in then the more effective it would be. This should be coupled with maximising intake (and therefore outflow) of liquids as this is how the bad stuff gets out. So we were almost aiming for speed and accuracy.

Is baby still receiving the therapy? More than 24 hours, then surely it would have to be more serious than "borderline".

[zoobaby]

Forgot to add. I was on a pro-BF hospital ward where FF was discussed in very hushed tones. They told me to give DS 20 min max of BF then get FF in quick smart and then straight back to the lights. Luckily DS spent the whole time asleep luxuriating on a heated water bed.

[QueenOfFarkingEverything]

Baby is still under the lights though two further blood tests have shown levels dropping down to below 'borderline'. They are saying another 12 hours and another blood test, and if that shows a further drop they can go home :)

[zoobaby]

Blimey. Fingers crossed it's soon.