While I was pregnant, I armed myself with a million reasons as to why I probably wouldn’t breastfeed. I needed to get back on my diabetes medication, my migraine medication, my supplements. . .all of which aren’t safe to take while breastfeeding. I pumped and bottle fed Olivia for over 6 months and I swore I would not do that again. Every few hours, I warmed up a bottle, fed her (and had her throw half of it back up) cleaned up the vomit, kept her upright for 30 minutes and then pumped for 15 minutes. It was exhausting. I thought I would “try” with Abigail but if it was too difficult, I would go the formula route. She started bottle feeding in the hospital, like Olivia, and I just knew it wouldn’t work again. But, Abigail completely surprised me and when she got home, she started nursing like a pro. And I completely love it! It totally takes the stress out of feeding your child. I’m able to feed her, cuddle her and soothe her all at the same time. It’s so much simpler than having to search for the perfect type of bottle and nipple flow and use a bottle warmer. Now I can’t imagine NOT breastfeeding. And I was even happier to hear that on Friday, Abigail was 6 lbs 3 oz and today she was 6 lbs 11 oz! She is growing and thriving!
However, I noticed today that she was looking very yellow. Even the whites of her eyes were yellow. So, I called her doctor and they wanted to see her. She was a little jaundice in the hospital, but her level was only 9.7 at 3 days old. I was told that they normally don’t do the bili lights until the level is 20 or so. Anyway, they did a bilirubin level on her today and should call tonight with the results. They mentioned that it could be related to breastfeeding and I may have to stop for a bit and see if it improves. Does anyone have any experience with this? I can’t imagine not nursing her and I hate pumping with a passion. So, any advice would be appreciated. I’ll update you with what the doctor says tonight.
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2 comments:
We let breastfed babies out of the lights to nurse even in the hospital unless it is extremely high. Even then, we pump and feed them mama's milk. All newborns are prone to jaundice, it just takes breastfed babies longer to break down that bilirubin and get rid of it. Nurse her often, every couple of hours day and night. You don't have to stop unless you want to and if it is suggested, ask what else you can do, like supplementing after feeds, etc.
She is beautiful Jodi! Enjoy her!
Sounds like breast milk jaundice... here's some info about it... http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000995.htm
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