Early fight against jaundice

21st March 2010

The first challenge for mummy and daddy... Our baby brother has been diagnosed with jaundice, a yellowish discolouration of the skin due to excess bilirubin in the blood. According to the pediatrician, in our baby brother's case, it is heavily caused by the difference between mummy's and the baby's blood group.

As a treatment, mummy's stay at the ward had to be extended for one more night so that the baby can undergo phototherapy. On Thursday, mummy and our new brother were discharged but 20-30 minutes sunbathing in the early morning was to be continued at home.

As a follow-up appointment, yesterday the pediatrician again checked and found that the jaundice was still high. Unfortunately, the baby had to be admitted again for two nights to undergo phototherapy once again. Thankfully though, JPMC has individual rooms and since the baby will be in his special 'bed' most of the times, mummy can rest on the patient's bed. At least the stay is comfortable for everyone.

To maximise the healing process, three machines were used for the sessions; two on top and another from the bottom. Our baby looked like Batman with special eye covers protecting his retina that must be worn at all times.

Such an early battle for a very young baby. Fortunately, our brother shows strength and patience and is very cooperative. He only cries when he wants to feed and when he is full, he sleeps snugly under the warm lights. He impresses everyone, including the doctor and nurses.