Newborn Talk

anne11716 · October 2016

got back from the dr this afternoon and have to go back tomorrow because he lost so much weights and have to supplement to help him poop and gain weight. Now he called and said his jaundice number went up pretty high from 9 to 16 (25 is dangerous) so they are sending special lights out to my houseI have to have him under until we go back to the dr tomorrow at 10:30. Anyone else have experience with any of this?

camcbeth · October 2016

A lot of babies lose weight after birth and I've had a friend who had the lights at home for her baby. My first lost a few lbs and she was jaundice when she was born. They were considering lights for her at home, but her number didn't get high enough. The nurse made it sound like it was pretty common. That was 3 1/2 years ago. It can be scary these first few days at home. Sounds like everyone is on top of it. Good luck at the dr tomorrow and I hope the lights help get her number down tonight.

erniebernie1 · October 2016

I had to supplement because my milk took 5 days to come in. I really recommend looking into a supplemental nursing system if you are nervous about baby getting nipple confusion. That's what we used until my milk came in.

OlgaN15 · October 2016

Our first baby jumped from 9 to 21 over the first few days, so he was actually hospitalized with lights. He'd lost a bit too much weight too. We came home with lights a few days later. Some babies just need the extra help. I know it's very easy to worry, but those lights help a lot. I had to pump after every nursing session and give my son that milk at the next nursing session (after nursing). It also helped my milk come in.

atcwag · October 2016

How often are you nursing? What was baby's birth weight and what does baby weigh now? We you instructed on how to supplement to not sabotage your BFing relationship (if you want to continue)? Have you considered seeing a lactation consultant?

leighry · October 2016

My first was jaundiced but didn't require anything other than a repeat blood test after we went home. My 2nd required lights in the hospital and my 3rd ended up in the nicu with ivIG, but ultimately avoided a blood transfusion which they had said she might need since her bili was 25. However, she was also coombs + and wasn't pooping so that didn't help anything. I had to pump for her feedings and they also had to supplement with formula and she was under the lights the entire admission, I couldn't hold her at all. It sucked. She turned around within 2 days though and we then had to go in for a hearing screen a few weeks later to make sure her hearing wasn't damaged because of it. I've never heard of using lights at home.. but if the number isn't too high I can see doing that. Hopefully this kid doesn't end up like that but I'm sure he will be jaundiced because that's just how my kids roll apparently.

MrsBigTime · October 2016

If you are hoping to continue nursing, be sure to get in with a LC ASAP. They can help you with weighted feedings and help
determine if you really do need to supplement or give him a few more days.

I Also second the suggestion of pumping after a feeding. Not for a long time, but maybe 10 minutes or so to get the milk for supplementing and to help encourage your milk to come in.

The jaundice will go away - especially with the lights and as your milk comes in.

Its all so scary and overwhelming in the beginning, but You'll get it and I know you are doing a great job!!

anne11716 · October 2016

thank you everyone for your support and advice. This is hard! At the doctor today his number went from 16 to 17.5. We didn't get the light delivered until 6:45 last night so the dr said he wasn't too surprised but we should see tomorrow if he is much more yellow to call because he is on call and we can go to the hospital to get him tested again. He did gain 3oz between yesterday and today and pooped 3x as opposed to nothing the previous 24 hours. He seems to totally have his nights and days mixed up which makes him I feel like totally not interested in feeding during the day. Now He nurses for like 5 minutes if I'm lucky on one or sometimes both sides. Then I pump and last time got 1oz out of each side. Then we feed him that milk but he hasn't wanted to eat that yet. Dr said I can continue to supplement with formula if needed but would rather have me use my pumped colostrum (so why won't he eat it?!) my husband and mom sent me to bed to nap now and we will continue to try to figure this out. Man o man!

atcwag · October 2016

anne11716 said:

thank you everyone for your support and advice. This is hard! At the doctor today his number went from 16 to 17.5. We didn't get the light delivered until 6:45 last night so the dr said he wasn't too surprised but we should see tomorrow if he is much more yellow to call because he is on call and we can go to the hospital to get him tested again. He did gain 3oz between yesterday and today and pooped 3x as opposed to nothing the previous 24 hours. He seems to totally have his nights and days mixed up which makes him I feel like totally not interested in feeding during the day. Now He nurses for like 5 minutes if I'm lucky on one or sometimes both sides. Then I pump and last time got 1oz out of each side. Then we feed him that milk but he hasn't wanted to eat that yet. Dr said I can continue to supplement with formula if needed but would rather have me use my pumped colostrum (so why won't he eat it?!) my husband and mom sent me to bed to nap now and we will continue to try to figure this out. Man o man!

Have you tried syringe feeding or even from a small spoon?

OlgaN15 · October 2016

@anne11716 Sounds like things are moving in a positive direction if baby's gaining weight and pooping. Keep giving it time. My son wasn't as in to eating while he was jaundiced either, and we eventually got the hang of it (without needing to supplement formula). You are already doing great mama.

anne11716 · October 2016

He's been pooping a lot and feeding so much better where now I'm able to supplement with what I pump even though my milk isn't in yet. I did syringe feeding in the hospital but he's able to latch better now. So thankful! Doctors appointment tomorrow for weight and another test so my fingers are crossed! He's been on the light except for changing him since 7pm Friday night so I am hopeful! Thank you again for your support it is helpful to know others have been frustrated or gone through this too. I just want my little man to be ok and off this darn light!

anne11716 · November 2016

Ok so update. He's off the light and jaundice is gone, woohoo!! Now he is still not at his birth weight. Last week he was 6 pounds 8.5 oz and today he is 6 pounds 14oz and at birth he was 7pounds 5oz. My dr said he is nervous but not worried. I honestly don't know what else to do. He's eating for 20-40 minutes every 2-4 hours. He's pooping and peeing constantly and it's the right color and everything. I'm drinking tons of water and sleeping, well not really sleeping a lot. My dr said to try the herb supplement Fenugreek to increase my milk supply so I started that.
We go back next week to see if he's up more. If he's not he will want us to supplement with formula like he did the week prior. So frustrating!! My little peanut. He not fussy or upset a lot at all and he seems like a happy little baby who sleeps and eats well. They did a liver disease test that came back negative and the dr said everything else looks great so he's a little mystery.

SandNStarsNJ · November 2016

@anne11716 At the very least he is gaining weight, so that's a plus. I'm not familiar with premie care taking so I'll abstain from advice here, but I noticed you mentioned increasing your supply. When I got really sick last time I was BF, my supply dipped. To increase it I tried lactation cookies from Amazon and they did wonders within about 2 days.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EFESL6W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1

anne11716 · November 2016

@SandNStarsNJ thank you! I'll give these a try!

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