Question
The baby is four days old and has a bilirubin level of 14.7. The doctor has recommended full-time blue light therapy. Should the baby also receive intravenous fluids? The parents are very worried and can’t sleep at night.
Answer
Blue light therapy can easily cause the baby to lose fluids, so it is necessary to provide the baby with fluids, breastfeeding, and monitor body temperature during the blue light treatment process to prevent dehydration, fever, and electrolyte imbalance. Newborn jaundice can be treated with blue light therapy to reduce bilirubin levels. During the blue light treatment, the temperature inside the blue light box is relatively high, causing the baby’s body to evaporate moisture, so it is necessary to replenish fluids. Breastfeed on demand and increase water intake.