Fighting the Lights-Tristan's Jaundice

After you were born, the Dr at the hospital told us that you had jaundince.

Neonatal jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and other tissues of a newborn infant. A bilirubin level of more than 85 umol/l (5 mg/dL) manifests clinical jaundice in neonates whereas in adults 34 umol/l (2 mg/dL) would look icteric. In newborns jaundice is detected by blanching the skin with digital pressure so that it reveals underlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. Jaundice newborns have an apparent icteric sclera, and yellowing of the face, extending down onto the chest. This condition is common in upwards of 70% of newborns.

This was one memory that haunts me, it was horrible and so difficult. I cannot even begin to tell you how hard it was to hear that you had it, and then go through photo light therapy to heal it. That 24 hour period lasted forever to us, it felt more like days than just 24 hours. You hated it, and I mean HATED it! You were so small and only wanted to be held and comforted and couldn't. It broke us to peices seeing you so upset. You had to lay on a bed of light and under lights and where goggles (we kept them for you to see when you get older). You kept movin your tiny head so the goggles wouldn't stay put, and you would cry and cry. Most of the time Daddy stood above you, holding the goggles on you and your perfect little hands, it was his way of trying to keep the goggles on and provide some type of comfort to you. Sometimes you would be ok, but most of the time you weren't. When it was time to feed you, I would pick you up with the light bed under you, and had to nurse you this way everytime.

The nurses made me worry everytime they took you back to get checked for your bili levels, and Daddy and me prayed that you would be healed of it, and wouldn't have to be under the lights anymore. This time truly tested our faith, our patience and made us realize more and more how deeply, deeply we loved you Baby Boy.

Finally the Dr realeased you from photo therapy and told us you would be able to go home. Words cannot describe our emotions at that point. Daddy had prayed so hard and hoped so much to take you home, he was soooo ready to take you home. We were so releived and so excited that you were better.