Fighting Jaundice
UPDATE: Thérèse’s bilirubin count has gone down and the doctor has taken her off the phototherapy. Thanks for all your prayers!
Having a new baby in the family has certainly brought forth it’s challenges and difficulties. We’re in the midst of bearing a few crosses with little Thérèse.
Like the vast majority of newborns, Thérèse developed jaundice. However in her case, there is an issue of ABO incompatibility. Her bloodtype is not the same as her mother’s. When the bilirubin count reached a significantly high level, our pediatrician thought it best to take an aggressive measure and place Thérèse on Phototherapy.
Thankfully, this can be done in the comfort of our own home. The baby wears a wrap around herself that gives off ultraviolet rays (photo) that will help break down the excessive red blood cells. After one day, it’s beginning to work. We’ll have one more blood test on Friday to see if she needs to continue the treatment.
More photos have been added to the Thérèse album.