Icterus and phototherapy

August 29th, 2006 at 22:01 · Filed Under Dominik, Family, Medical 

Nik developed icterus (new born jaundice) on the 4th day of his arrival. I noticed some yellow on his cheek. It was confirmed on Friday when we brought him to his pediatrician for check up. The doctor immediately ordered a blood test but we decided not to go for it. They would draw the blood from his ankle and he would cry because of tremendous pain. We had seen many babies crying for this reason in the nursery room.

With our experience when Dmitry developed jaundice, we gave him phototherapy at home. We used both sun bathing (early morning) and artificial light methods. When Dmitry was developing jaundice, I researched the different light spectrum emitted by different fluorescent light bulb and found the one used to grow aquatic plants very close to the spectrum they used for phototherapy.

I ran home and quickly setup the stroller with the light and get him under it. Nik’s jaundice lasted until August 31.


We put Nik on the steady Chicco stroller under the light.

When doing phototherapy at home, it is important to observe the progressive of the baby’s jaundice. If it is getting more yellow and down to his feet, the baby will require immediate medical attention. Otherwise, it is safe to be at home and continue the phototherapy. Observe the color of the stool carefully. If the color of the stool turns greenish yellow, that indicates the baby’s body system is breaking down the bilirubin. The greenish yellow color in the stool indicates that bilirubin has been discharged out of the baby’s body. Be sure to give the baby plenty of water so that she will not be dehydrated.

When putting the baby under the light, try to put him as near to any window or door. There will be some scattering ultra violet near this area. The extra UV will also aide the phototherapy.

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One Response to “Icterus and phototherapy”

  • Phototherapy at home | Adrian’s WebLog on November 1st, 2006 14:57 1

    [...] under Family, Medical, Dominik by Adrian Hoe | 0 comments Disclaimer: This is a follow up of the other post on August 29, “Icterus andphototherapy”. This is not a medical advice. Try it at your (and your baby) own risks. We will not be responsible for any health damage or fatality. Please seek medical advice. [...]

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