HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

JAUNDICE Jaundice is common in newborns, giving their skin and the whites of their eyes a yellow color. A buildup of a substance called bilirubin in the baby’s blood and skin commonly causes jaundice. Testing is painless and involves simply placing a light meter on the baby’s skin. If the bilirubin level is high, a blood test can measure serum bilirubin levels. Most cases of jaundice will go away without medical treatment. Your baby’s health care provider will check the bilirubin level and treat it if it is too high. Left untreated, high levels of bilirubin can cause serious health complications. It’s important to take jaundice seriously and follow your provider’s instructions for appointments and recommended care. Treatment for Jaundice There are two types of treatment for jaundice. Phototherapy treatment involves placing your baby under a special light, wearing only a diaper and eye protection. Another treatment option is to place a fiberoptic blanket under the baby. The light and blanket may be used together. After treatment, your baby’s provider will do another blood test to check that the treatment is working. Make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. Babies get rid of excess bilirubin through their stools. Breastfeed your baby at least 8 or more times a day for the first few days. This will help you make enough milk for the baby and will also help keep their bilirubin level down.

YOUR NEW BABY

HEARING SCREENING Of every 1,000 babies born, about 1 to 3 will have serious hearing loss. Experts recommend that all newborns have their hearing tested, and screening is now standard practice before leaving the hospital or birth center. If hearing loss is not found early in a baby’s life, their brain’s hearing center will not be stimulated. This can delay speech and other development. About the test • Painless; takes about 10 minutes while your baby is sleeping • 2 types: otoacoustic emission (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) • Done in the hospital using a tiny earphone, microphone, or both PULSE OXIMETRY

SCREENING FOR HEART DISEASE Pulse oximetry is a simple, painless test used to measure

how much oxygen is in your baby’s blood. It can help identify certain congenital heart diseases in newborns. Screening can be done when the baby is more than 24 hours old. About the test • Sensors are placed on the baby’s hand and foot • Sensors consist of a sticky strip and small red light or probe • Sensors measure the baby’s oxygen level and pulse rate • Takes a few minutes; done while baby is still, quiet, and warm

Chapter 7: Your New Baby 85