High Bilirubin Levels and Treatment

[Zka]

LO is 12 days old. We noticed yellow tinge at 2 days old (after C-section, born 39 weeks). Exclusively breastfed baby.

Bilirubin was 204 at 3 days old, 244/248 at 6 days old and is now 310 at 12 days old. Visible symptoms he does seem a bit sleepier and definitely his eyes and face have gone more yellow (reflects the bilirubin levels).

MW came today and was concerned. Got the bilirubin levels which are 310. Neonatal registrar said we will retest on Wednesday (which he thinks will go up) and then admit to prolonged jaundice screening.

Me and my partner and now more worried than ever before. The cut off is 350 and LO's is 310. Seems to be cutting it close. We are aware that breastfed babies are more likely to jaundiced due to glucoronidase amongst other things. However, 310 seems very high. And we both don't want encephalopathy, hearing loss... Etc. With hyperbilirubinemia.

He lost 4% body weight in week 1 (5lbs Oz from original weight), in week 2 the loss is down to 1% (loss of 1-2oz). So I think the weight loss is okay? He's feeding 8-10 per day and pooing at least 5-6 (if not.more a day). Urine is yellow. Poo is normal (korma coloured). So because of those parameters above I think doctors aren't too concerned despite the hyperbilirubinaemia.

But 310 just seems so high, especially as I've just read about kernicterus in neonates with similar levels!!!!!

Has anyone else had experience with this, would be grateful for any advice.

Now baby also has a cold a think (stuffy nose) was going to ask for advice with that too, if anyone has experience?

Sorry when I say 5lbs Oz, I meant to say just 5oz. Sorry for any confusion

Hi, sorry that you have this worry - it's hard going with everything else that having a newborn brings. Our story is a bit different as my baby was born at 36 weeks. He developed severe jaundice within the first 24 hours and needed a week of light treatment between NICU and the ward. This continued as prolonged jaundice and we were getting levels checked on and off for his first 7 weeks. He's approaching 10 weeks now and it's finally just about gone.

I have found (also speaking to others I have met) that the 'wait and see' approach is quite normal in terms of the bloods and deciding what to do next. I found it very frustrating at times as I just wanted baby to be better and get treatment if needed. The weight loss sounds minimal which is great, we got told feed feed feed (hard work when a baby is constantly asleep due to said jaundice granted!) to help flush it.

I am glad that the levels are getting checked again soon and hope that it won't be long until all this is behind you. Best wishes.

@sunshine423 My little one also developed jaundice although the levels didn’t require treatment. As well as feeding on the boob, I was hand expressing which meant I could give her a decent amount quite quickly without her having to work so hard for it as she was sleepy. The midwife also said to leave her beside the window in the light to help break down the bilirubin.

C-Section babies can have more mucus. You can get saline drops from the pharmacy and/or an electronic suction device.

Sorry @‘d the wrong person 🙈 @sunshine423

@Zka

My dd was also prem at 34 weeks and required light therapy for jaundice. She also lost a lot more weight in first week. She is now a nearly 6 year old and other than being short (like me!) you’d never know. Let them keep assessing - if they are concerned they will do what they need to in order to bring bilirubin levels down

All 3 of mine had jandice, rh middle one needed readmitted for light therapy and then followed up at the prolonged jandice clinic - he was absolutely fine. No 3 needed some extra testing at the hospital but her levels stayed just below treatment level

He's now 3.5 so I can't remember any of his levels, but surely if you've not been admitted it's not even at treatment level? I really wouldn't worry

DC1 had a few issues at birth so received treatment in NICU including light therapy. The light therapy worked wonders and you'd never now that they had been quite ill at birth.
DC2 had jaundice as well but never to such a level that they required medical intervention. Our midwife also recommended putting them by a sunny window as much as possible.