My Newborn Was Admitted to the Hospital for Jaundice

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I have a faint memory of my eight-year-old daughter experiencing mild jaundice as a newborn. The heel prick for her blood test is a moment that still brings tears to my eyes, but thankfully, she didn’t require any treatment, and the jaundice itself faded from my memory. My second child, despite some feeding challenges, never had any signs of jaundice at all.

When my third baby began to show a slight yellow tint to her skin at just four days old, I thought I knew what to expect. However, when she became lethargic and struggled to nurse overnight, I didn’t immediately panic. Instead, I called her pediatrician and scheduled a blood test for the following morning. The nurse gently pricked her heel and assured us that they would contact us with the results. Our doctor even provided us with a special blue light to use at home, just in case it was needed.

I honestly didn’t think it was a cause for concern. I assumed her jaundice would resolve itself like my first child’s. But then, about an hour later, the doctor called and instructed us to rush our baby to the children’s hospital for immediate treatment. I was stunned and filled with anxiety. Was she really that ill? Would she be okay?

Our pediatrician advised me to remain calm and reassured us that the hospital staff would explain everything. We hurried home to gather our things, dropped our other kids off with my sister, and sped to the hospital to begin bili light therapy for neonatal jaundice.

As it turned out, the experience was relatively straightforward. The nurse had to prick her heel again (definitely the worst part!), placed a soft blindfold over her eyes, and laid her under three blue bili lights in a warm little bed. The doctor informed us that most babies only need about 24 hours under these lights, and our little one would likely be discharged the next day without any long-term issues. That’s precisely how it unfolded.

Here are a few things I wish I had known beforehand to ease my worries:

1. Jaundice is very common, especially in babies born a bit early. Jaundice is actually not an illness but a symptom of high bilirubin levels, which can cause the skin and eyes to appear yellow. Bilirubin is a pigment generated from the breakdown of red blood cells. During the shift from fetal to newborn life, some babies can’t filter it out quickly enough, leading to jaundice. Unlike adults, whose jaundice often indicates liver issues, newborn jaundice is typically just a normal part of life.
2. Dehydration can worsen jaundice. It takes very little for a newborn to start becoming dehydrated. I mention this not to induce panic but to highlight something to be aware of. It’s not your fault; just a few milliliters less during a few feedings can exacerbate rising bilirubin levels.
3. Proper feeding is crucial for jaundice treatment. While the bili lights help break down bilirubin, the only way for it to exit the body is through urine and stool. Therefore, feeding becomes the most vital aspect of treating jaundice. I was anxious about breastfeeding, fearing it might hinder our progress, but I was able to pump and supplement with formula to keep her hydrated. Once she started feeling better, she returned to breastfeeding without any issues.
4. Most babies actually enjoy the lights. This is good news since they need to stay under them whenever they aren’t eating and sometimes even while feeding. Our baby had her first feed under the lights and was calm and content, which made it easier for me to let her go for her scheduled checks. The nurses assured us that most babies settle quickly once they’re under the warm, dark environment.
5. Expect a warm room. Since the baby will be nearly naked for the treatment, the room temperature needs to be quite high. I wasn’t prepared for this and dressed warmly for winter, making me uncomfortable during our stay. The room temperature hovered between 82 and 85 degrees, which was fine for the baby but overly warm for me.
6. There will be more heel pricks. This is tough to see as a parent, and both you and your baby may dislike it. They need to collect blood in tiny vials, and if you need to step out for a moment, don’t hesitate. The nurses are capable, and you can return to comfort your baby afterward.

It’s common for newborns to require a little assistance as they transition into the world. With proper monitoring from your pediatrician, neonatal jaundice is unlikely to cause future complications. If you find yourself heading to the hospital for light therapy, remember to charge your devices, bring a comfy pillow, dress for the heat, and try not to panic. In most cases, your little one will be just fine.

For more insights on navigating early parenting, check out this post at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re exploring options for starting a family, Make A Mom offers great resources. Additionally, News Medical provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Navigating jaundice in newborns can be daunting, but understanding its commonality and treatment can help alleviate fears. With proper feeding, supportive care, and the right information, most babies recover quickly from this condition.