Jaundice [PHOTOS]

Monday, Nov 7th, 2005, Dr Keoy informed us that Elijah was beginning to develop jaundice and will be placed under the photo-lamp for UV treatment. First, ICU, now, UV treatment.

Lactation specialist Uma Thambidurai informed us that jaundice was nothing to worry about - about 85% of babies developed jaundice. She also said Singapore treats baby jaundice more aggressively. In other countries, they tend to treat the baby only if the jaundice level reached "14." In Singapore, they treat earlier. Also, we learnt that the doctors prefer not to discharge the baby lest the baby develops a worse case of jaundice at home, which would then be more difficult to bring down back at the hospital.

Mommy got to bottle-feed Elijah for the first time. We later learnt from Uma that we should avoid this, and instead cup-feed him. This is to avoid "teat confusion." Uma also showed us how to burp the baby. Sit the baby upright on your lap. Hold the baby's chin firmly - apparently babies like being held firmly here. Cupping your other palm, proceed to pat the baby gently. Sounds easy (yeah, right).

I also signed consent forms to innoculate Elijah with "BCG" and "Hepatitis B" jabs. Elijah will have his "BCG" today and "Hep B" tomorrow.

Later in the evening, we ordered our baby car seat, a gift courtesy of Aunty Ree, Uncle Hen, Jac, Nick and Aunty Bats.

Time to wake up, baby

In their swaddle, babies can really sleep so snugly.

Mommy's first bottle-feed
We later learnt that we should avoid bottle-feeding him.
Instead, we should cup-feed him.


Formula milk
We're using Similac formula milk here.

Having a go
Daddy trying to calm a fretful Elijah.

Our O&G
Dr Yvonne Soong. No gym session required this week.

Cup feeding
We're trying to avoid using the milk bottle, to avoid confusing Elijah.
Here, Uma Thambidurai (Lactation Specialist) demonstrates how to cup-feed.

Burping
Uma shows us how to burp a baby.
Uma burped Elijah in two pats. They make it look so easy.
Elijah's burps were loud. Uma says he was trying to show off.