Take Home Bilibed

Kimberlyh90

Today we went to the pediatrician for our first check up and a follow up billirubin test. Baby Amelia's levels were at 17 something and they decided to have us put her on a bilibed over night. Has anyone had experience with these things? So far I have broken down 3 times just bawling. She is supposed to stay in the bed unless feeding or changing her diaper. She hates it and just fusses. It is really about to be a looooooooong night. Also, since she has been on it, she has pooped 3 times! So I guess it's working, it just tears me up to see her on this thing

Becid24

My last child had to be on th bili lights at home and thankfully after 24 hours didn't need it anymore. It will be hard on you but over pretty quickly. It's a great sign that she's pooping. Best of luck to you 

mjschenk

My mom had to have me in one almost 30 years ago they have come along way. Hang in there mom! Baby will be fine. 

AThrills

*Lurking from December 2016*

My LO was on it for 2 1/2 days in the NICU. She loved how warm and cozy it made her which helped me to not feel as awful about not being able to cuddle her.  Our nurses actually swaddled her in the blanket with another blanket outside to hold it all together around her which may be something for you to try?

There was no blanket available for us to take home so she had to stay in hospital (which was tough). 

That your LO has pooped 3 times already is amazing! Her little body is working hard and doing a great job.

One thing I was surprised with was Dr's decided to take her off the blanket even though her billi count was still going up. It was totally safe and normal, but freaked me out! Her count peaked on Day 4 at which point it was decided she didn't need her levels checked any longer.

We closely monitored her fluid intake (which meant pumping instead of breastfeeding) and supplemented with formula when necessary to make sure she was getting enough (roughly 45 ml every 3 hours) so that she could have lots of poops!

Now 6 weeks on she is doing great and no issues with billi levels since!

The billi blanket will be over before you know it!

Also, she is adorable! And I love her name!

ginabdove

I had experienced this with my oldest daughter who is now 2 and a half.  We had the bili bed at home over 4 days and my daughter absolutely hated to lay flat in the bed. Eventually I decided to try breast feeding her while she lay in the bed and that was the only thing that finally worked for us. Not an easy task but I put the bili bed on my lap as I sat in a wooden kitchen chair and kind of leaned over the top. This was in July so it was super hot too.  I had a fan on me but remember how hot I got. Good news is it's only for a short while. Best of luck!

vssbrm

Wish I had checked in sooner since giving birth. We were in the Billi bed for almost a week and a half at the hospital it was SO hard not getting to hold L, but I guess I was lucky that I at least got to snuggle during feeds. How is your LO going now?