Jaundice

[Boymama22]

Hi, I had my daughter 4 days ago and we're still stuck in hospital. Her jaundice levels came back yesterday as just under the treatment line however that was day 3, doc said will re test today this morning and if they've stayed the same or come down we can leave. I'm mentally cracking up. What are the chances they come down? My daughter is feeding so well despite being born 4lb 15oz. And now I'm waking her. She's weeing and pooing so much. I'm just mentally done with the hospital as I was in for induction prior. Is jaundice usual? Common? Does it need treatment and when do levels usually peak? TIA!

Jaundice is a common condition - almost all babies have it to some certain extent. From what I know, it can take up to a month to go away. Wake her up to feed her as jaundice makes the baby a bit soft and sleepy. Don't worry

That's great that she's feeding well. Try not to think of treatment as a bad thing - it will actually probably get her out sooner. My son was just below the treatment line so we were sent home, and we had so many problems with feeding as he was so sleepy. I don't know the levels but feeding and daylight are important to clear it.

It is horrible being stuck in hospital though. Have you been outside? Could you get your partner you look after baby for 10 minutes and just step out for some fresh air? It really helped me when we were stuck in.

Baby jaundice levels tend to peak around day 5/6 and then drop. Higher levels can make babies sleepy and harder to feed. Hang in there. You'll be home soon.

Ah, OP. I remember this well. I was stuck in for a week post delivery due to jaundice with a small baby post induction. I’m afraid to say that his levels increased and he ended up under the lamps for 48 hours before being able to go home. (And then we were re-admitted <48 hours later).
Can you get outside for a little walk? The post natal ward can be a brutal place. I remember going outside and calling my mum (and sobbing!) 😭

Hi everyone thank you for your responses! So her levels remained kinda borderline, the head of neo Nate gave me the choice. He said go home and wait and see or get her under the lamp for 12 hours and test blood and test again if he thinks necessary which he doesn't. So in for another night but more than likely the last!

Doesn't think it'll come to that*. Based on the fact everything else is perfect with her he expects her levels to drop enough. Obviously can't make promises. She hates it under there but it's worth going home with a piece of mind :)

@Boymama22

i had my little girl at 37 weeks and she was 5.13,

I think we’d been out of hospital 2 days and was back in with jaundice for 2 nights. Day 6 post birth was really bad emotionally for me.

it feels like the longest time ever but my daughter was the same she had some bloods some light and hadn’t come far enough but began feeding after the second lot she was good enough to come out the light and to go home. It hopefully will be the same for you!

I hope so! They were umming and ahhing with my daughter because she's feeding well, only lost 2% of her birth weight, good fbc and so said the choice is up to me. But he'd like to give her abit of therapy so he knows he won't be readmitting her in a few days poorly. They're really kind and gentle about it, really understanding to my situation as well and how I'm struggling to cope. He even rushed bloods for us they're supposed to take 2 hours but got them back in 45 mins!