Question
Today, I checked my adorable baby’s bilirubin levels, and the doctor said the numbers were very high, and it requires hospitalization. We are very worried and scared, fearing that it might negatively affect the baby’s growth and development. The hospital has recommended 24 hours of blue light therapy. Seeing my little one in the blue light box, I feel so heartbroken.
Answer
A newborn with a bilirubin level of 19 is considered to have high jaundice and should be examined by a pediatrician at a local hospital with good neonatal care. Jaundice is categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually resolves itself within about half a month after birth. Pathological jaundice is often caused by incompatibility between the mother and baby’s blood types, breast milk jaundice, or liver and gallbladder diseases. Based on your test results, the high bilirubin level requires oral medication combined with blue light therapy. It is advisable to visit a local hospital with good neonatal care as soon as possible to receive professional treatment guidance and monitor the baby’s growth and development.