We're Home - sort of

Hope it doesn't seem too impersonal to update people this way - things are a little hectic as you might've guessed. We got home yesterday and made it through night #1. We aren't without hiccups in things though. Early Monday morning at the hospital the resident came in to say that blood work showed Corinne had jaundice and they wanted to start treating it with an electric light blanket. (a bili blanket as they are called) They tested her level again Monday at noon and we were allowed to all go home, but Corinne has to wear this blanket all the time.

We saw her pediatrician today as directed and got another blood test - unfortunately we found out that her levels are elevated to the point that they are starting to be concerned. We go for another blood test tomorrow and based on how it turns out, she may be admitted to Children's Hospital or Magee again for more intensive light treatment.

Jaundice is common with newborns and esp. so with ones who breast feeding isn't going as well as could be (which is us, and we're making strides so thank goodness for that). We feel the jaundice is due to a hematoma (bruise under her bones) on her head - she was shoved up against my pelvic bone for a while in utero and then the trauma of delivery can cause bruising. It makes red blood cells accumulate in the blood and secrete a compound called biliruben (which is what they are measuring with these tests). The blanket lights help the liver and kidneys get rid of the biliruben.

So while it's common to the pediatric world, to us we're a bit freaked out. Okay, I am a sobbing mess and Dave is my rock. (He's been so great with things!! It's hard to love him more but I do!) We just want our angel to be okay and get past this. With the sleep deprivation and that fact that it looks like a bomb of beautiful gifts and cards and flowers went off in our house (we are so loved it is unbelievable!) , we'd like to move onto just staring into her big blue eyes and not having to worry as much.

So that's it - sorry we've not been able to return calls or make calls or return emails really. We'll update when we can. Love to all!