Two days after Gabe was born we were told that his jaundice level was elevated but we shouldn't be concerned. The following morning we were scheduled to come home and we so excited at the thought of being in our own home again. Unfortunately before we could pack our bags we were told that his jaundice level had risen significantly and he would need light therapy. In fact he would need therapy at the hospital as well as at our home. We were shocked. We hardly expected that our baby would be discharged with home health services in place. That Saturday at the hospital he had to spend 6 hours under the lights (first pic). It was heartbreaking seeing him in there wearing what I called his "Zorro" mask. We couldn't even take him out to feed him or change him- he had to stay in the bed the entire time!
We finally we allowed to leave the hospital Saturday afternoon and home health arrived at our house about 5 minutes after we made it home. The nurse brought a billi-bed and told us he had to stay on the bed pretty much 24/7. At least with this one we were allowed to take him off to feed and change him. He ended up having to stay on the bed from Saturday- Wednesday. Every morning a home health nurse would come to the house and prick his heel and draw a vile of blood and then we'd get a call later in the day letting us know what his level was.
It was so hard not being able to love on him for more than a few minutes at a time. I think I had a breakdown daily. Finally we got word from the pediatrician Wednesday that his levels were low enough for him to be sprung from the bed. I was so happy to have my baby back in my arms for as long as I wanted!
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