Under the Lights

During Annie's first week, we have had a bit of a setback. We came home from the hospital on Sunday and the Doctor told us to come back to the lab on Monday to have her bilirubin level tested for jaundice. In order to test this level they have to prick her little feet... it breaks my heart every time. She was at a level 9 in the hospital. (FYI: A level 25 is when jaundice can cause brain damage, cerebral palsy, deafness, etc.) When we came back on Monday, her levels had jumped to a 12. The Doctor thought it may possibly be because she was peaking at that specific day and figured it would go down the next day.

Unfortunately, Annie's level did not go down. When we went into the lab again on Tuesday, her level had jumped up to a 15. The Doctor then ordered her to be on a biliblanket. This "blanket" is a phototherapy system composed of a special light used to breakdown the bilirubin in the skin with jaundice so the liver can more easily excrete it. We immediately went down to the medical shop and picked up the blanket. This blanket is more like a pad hooked up to a box (see above picture). It needs to be in skin to skin contact with the infant 24-7. The only time it can be removed is while she is bathing.

Thanks to several prayers, fasting and a Priesthood blessing, Annie's level began dropping. On Wednesday her bilirubin level had dropped to a 13 and today is down to a 10. The doctor told us we can stop using the blanket and she will be tested one more time tomorrow to verify that her level is still dropping. I am extremely grateful for the technology that we have to recognize these symptoms and cure them accurately. Annie is such a blessing in our lives and I am so incredibly grateful for her sweet little spirit in our home. It's a wonderful life with Annie!

Putting all negatives aside, Annie did enjoy the blanket. It acted as a heating blanket. It kept her warm and comfortable. The picture above definitely emphasizes this comfort! She is sunbathing in the UV rays :)