Hi everyone,
DS was born 2 weeks ago & we're all doing great. I kept meaning to make an announcement but haven't had much time.
Now I need some advice about bfing & breasmilk jaundice.
DS has jaundice. Last week his levels were high & he was on a Biliblanket for 3 days. His levels went down & they took him off the blanket. Today at his 2 week checkup they tested him again & he's still a little jaundice.
His Pedi suspects it's breastmilk jaundice & wants us to stop bfing for 48 hours to confirm. Pedi recommended doing formula next Wed-Fri & then coming in for the appointment to check his levels. His reasoning was that DS would be 3 weeks old then & bfing would be well established.
This is really bumming me out, bfing is going so well & I'm worried this will mess it up. DS is eating & gaining like a champ & my supply is great. However, DH & I agree with Pedi that we need to confirm breastmilk jaundice, because there is a slim chance that there could be another cause which would need to be further investigated.
The possible problem: I've heard that some babies won't take bottles from their mother because they're used to bfing. DH is going back to work next Monday. So far DS has taken 2 bottles from DH with no problem. (1 per day for the last 2 days)
Pedi said we could:
A) Do formula this Sat-Mon
Do formula Wed.-Fri
C) Do formula next Sat.-Mon
I don't know if I should try to give a bottle during the week knowing DS might not take the bottle from me or just wait until the weekend when DH will be here to feed DS. Pedi said it's our choice. What would you do?
I'm debating getting a 2nd opinion, but I don't know who to go to...
Re: DS is here & breastmilk jaundice?
Here's a link for more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/disease/jaundice.htm
Dr. Sara Schutte at Mercy North Pediatrics in Ankeney and Dr. Steinman or Lori Steinman (ARNP) at Steinman Family Practice are all huge breastfeeding supporters.
I think you should definitely get a second opinion, I do not like your pedi's suggestion at all.
Dr. Jack Newman (breastfeeding guru and incredibly smart) has a great article on breastfeeding and jaundice and the breastmilk jaundice your pedi. is talking about. It's a great article and will give you good insigt. http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79:breastfeeding-and-jaundice&catid=5:information&Itemid=17
By the way, CONGRATS!
Neena Mae. 1/7/10
"A baby nursing at a mother's breast is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature." - David Suzuki
Jenn beat me to it. Definitely get a 2nd opinion (we see Sara Schutte) and read up on Jack Newman!
I was just talking to my midwife the other day about how hospitals and peds are intervening much more often than they used to, and more than has been shown to be needed, when it comes to jaundice.
Congrats, mama!!
No other advice but wanted to say congrats! Good luck.