Newborn jaundice/phototherapy

[berolina]

I had my first baby (a ds) last Wednesday . We've both been in hospital untl now (standard in Germany). Today they said his levels of bilirubin had risen again and he wasn't getting rid of his jaundice, so they're keeping him in for phototherapy. The doctors have assured me it isn't serious and he should be fine within a few days, but of course I'm worried and upset because I know jaundice in babies can lead to brain damage. Have any MNers any experiences with this? Thanky for any advice/information!

excellent berolina
ds1 was a sleepy feeder too....but i just tried to offer him the breast as often as possible....your expressing plan sounds like it is working really well
keep going

Aww, Berolina it sounds as though you are doing really well. I solely breast fed DS while he was hospitilised either EBM or directly. I was not popular with the staff for doing so, and I had so much conflicting information. I hope DS continues to do well. Well done for BF'ing.

any update?

We're home!!!!!
I'd resigned myself to being in for a few days because of the levels going up a bit yesterday, but this morning the doctor came and said the levels had gone down significantly and he could go home. She said a sharp rise was pretty much out of the question now, as his liver should be able to cope with it himself, but we just have to watch for signs of the jaundice coming back. (They haven't even suggested he has another blood test, but tomorrow I think I might head for the paediatrician - my MW is coming round too). It's wonderful being out, but also pretty scary, particularly as it came (for me) so suddenly. He was feeding better last night and has nice full nappies.

fantastic news !!!!
do you need any followups?

Hello - just a heads up that this thread hasn't been posted on for over a year. We've pulled together some information and Mumsnetters' experiences of jaundice on an up to date page, over here.