We thought the bilirubin was under control, however the levels today were elevated so they recommended that we start phototherapy. Newborns generally have a susceptibility to high bilirubin levels since their liver is not fully developed, but Emilia also has a secondary factor. Since Connie is Type O blood, I'm Type A and Emilia is Type A, she has a thing called ABO incompatibility. Basically Connie's AB antibodies crossed the placenta, and are trying to take out the baby's Type A RBC's. One of the by-products of this is bilirubin which builds up in the fatty tissue of the skin, and causes a yellow appearance (jaundice). It sounds bad, but it's usually easily controlled by 1-2 days of phototherapy. Basically, the baby is placed over blue UV lights, and the UV converts the bilirubin into a form that can be naturally removed by the body.
It's been a bit of a battle getting Emilia to accept being in the light box. This is because it eliminates some of the soothing tricks we use, namely: tight swaddling and puttting her on her side. But since she has no choice, she eventually accepts it.
We also still have the elevated WBC issue we're dealing with, but we should know tomorrow whether there is any infection that would require further treatment. Hopefully not as that would mean another ~5 days in the hospital.
The good news today is that she passed her hearing test.
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