Phototherapy

We were discharged from the hospital late Saturday night June 5. I had my postpartum checkup Monday morning. Unfortunately, London had lost more than 10% birth weight - down to 6 lbs. 8 oz. and her jaundice was still dancing on the moderate/high risk line. Since she was only a 37-weeker, she was prescribed phototherapy.

I didn't quite understand what her treatment entailed... when the first home nurse dropped off the equipment I asked her how long London needed to actually be on the lights, thinking she'd say something like 20 minutes, 3 times a day. Boy was I wrong! No I was told that my new baby needed to be on 24 hours except to feed... and I could take her out if she were inconsolably crying. This nurse made me cry. Fortunately, the nurse that came daily to check our progress was AMAZING. Lori let us know each day that things were going well - London gained 3 oz. per day and was able to come off the lights after only 3 days. By that Friday she bounced back up to 7 lbs. 1 oz. We were quite pleased.

at least she sleeps a lot... if she'd been awake and fussy most of the time I'm not sure I would have handled it well.

she seemed comfortable most of the time.