We had an unexpected visit back to the hospital last night because Ethan's bilirubin levels had crept up and he needed some light therapy... less than 24 hours later his levels had cut in half and we came back home this evening. Our pediatrician, Dr. Leanza and the other peds at Springdale Mason Pediatrics, did not have privileges to see Ethan at Good Sam, but they kept in very good contact with us on the telephone and offered so much support and advice for us. They encouraged us to continue breastfeeding, which was so important to us. Ethan did so very well and is eating like a champ!! The pediatrician at Good Sam wanted us to stop breastfeeding and formula feed instead, but our parent insticts kicked in and we questioned their opinion. We feel very strongly about breastfeeding and feel like it is best for Ethan. We called Dr. Leanza's office and our midwife office that delivered Ethan, who both recommended to continue breastfeeding. We really felt pressured by the Good Sam pediatrician to quit and we had a long, emotional night. He was placed in a phototherapy box for light therapy, and they did not want us to take him out of it for any reason. Mommy was so upset about it! She didn't even want to take a picture of Ethan in the box. But this morning, Ethan's bilirubin levels were down to 13.4 from 19.2 on admission! He was able to be placed on a "bili blanket" at that time and his repeat bilirubin level this afternoon was down all the way to 10.4! We were able to come home this evening without any further light therapy needed :)
Ethan with the bili blanket - our little glow worm :)
Dr. Leanza even called this afternoon to check in and see how Ethan is doing. He said he was very happy that we had second guessed the Good Sam pediatrician's opinion regarding stopping breastfeeding and that we had called the office. Dr. Leanza also felt like breastfeeding was the best way to go, and he said a short stay at the hospital should not need to interfere with our total breastfeeding experience. He basically told me that the jaundice is a very minute complication and risking losing out on the breastfeeding experience by stopping while we were at the hospital was not a risk we should have taken. I'm so thrilled with his opinion and that he was happy with our decision!! We will go for a repeat bilirubin level tomorrow at the Children's Hospital Outpatient Center, and then we will see Dr. Leanza in the office on Thursday for Ethan's first newborn checkup.
Ethan took a bottle very well for the first time (Mom's pumped milk)
Let's go home!
Ethan knows he's home now - kicked back and relaxin!!
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