Going home, Nolan had a slight cause of jaundice, a popular occurrence among newborns where there is an increased level of bilirubin in the blood vessels causing a yellow discoloration of the skin. Therefore, Nolan was placed today in his own tanning bed for the next couple of days. He seems to like it rather well. I told Dusti that if he is anything like me, his skin will handle the “sunlight” beautifully because we’re olive like that. 
Hopefully, Nolan will be given the “okay” from the docs to return to normally scheduled programming of holiday stardom. He has a lot of fans waiting for his guest appearance. As his road manager, autographs will have to restricted due to time constraints. However, I will be sure that the infant paparazzi following “Nolan’s World” keep you updated.
I think my comment got eaten, so here goes once again:
What is that hideous thing on his head? That kind of headgear could scar a child forever. It could turn his hair plaid.
Sorry man. I am just moderating all comments coming from non-Alabama fans.
No, really–I have the comments policy set up that all initial comments get moderated until approved. Once you as a commenter get an approved comment, your comments will no longer need moderation.
It’s just a way to ensure that no junk gets thrown up here. I am fine dealing with it on my blog, but I don’t want to have to deal with either spam and other stuff like that.
I don’t know if this will be the only time he is naked saved his Alabama headgear. Perhaps he will start a new fashion trend for all one-week old babies. But then again, that trend better catch on quick, because one week isn’t that long!
Now, if I see that ugly orange color on your baby, I will only assume that he threw up on himself. There’s no other explanation that you volunteers for coming up with such a grotesque color.
Ah, I see. Discrimination against your betters. Hmph. I thought you were more sanctified than that.
Seriously, though, I got a question: Did the hospital provide that bed or did you have to go out and get one? I didn’t realize you could work on jaundice that way. I’m filing that one away prominently.
Yeah, the docs at the hospital arranged a home health care set-up, and a gentleman came and set it up for us. It took only about 30 minutes, and he was good to go. You do need 2 receiving blankets and one pillow case (for the cushion).
You have to set the bed off the ground, and since we did not have table, we decided to put it in the recliner, especially since it fit so snug.
Oh, and for those interested, I thought I’d provide an update on Nolan.
On day 2, his bilirubin was around 12. On day 3 (yesterday), it was up to 16. After about 20 hours in the bed, it had gone down to 14, which is really good since day 4 is when it is supposed to peak.
The big thing is that Dusti’s milk is in, and this is important because a dehydrated Nolan equals increased bilirubin. The liver needs to function/develop more, and in order to do that he needs more liquids. He dropped a little in weight, from 8.5 to 7.10, but that is expected.
So we are keeping him in the bed for the time being. I think the goal is to get him under 10, and the jaundice is not expected to last more than 6-8 days.
The hard thing for us, of course, is not being able to hold him as much! But God is good, and we are grateful for the health of our precious son.
Most of my children had jaundice too. We never used the bili lights but we spent every day going back to the hospital getting the levels checked. (it was a hassle back then but their health was more important)
Anyhow, interestingly enough with Baby #7 I chose not to be induced (I have been induced with 5 out of 7)and waited for my body to go into labor on it’s own. (I was 2 1/2 weeks late though) Our Mason Josiah was the only baby who did NOT suffer from jaundice. (some studies have shown that women who are given pitocin have babies that suffer jaundice) We’ll never know for sure whether pitocin was the culprit or not. Stripping the baby down and allowing the natural sunlight works just as good as the bili lights too—that way you can hold Nolan and still help reduce the bili level. But now that Dusti’s milk has come in, he’ll start pooping it all out anyhow!
Jennifer,
That’s an interesting point about the petosin. I never realized that could have contributed to the jaundice (but since you have seven of your own, you kind of have your own lab testing there!). Unfortunately for us right now, the weather is cold and damp here is Louisville, so we are going to keep him in the tanning bed. He seems to like it because it keeps him warm.
Oh, and talk about poop. I have officially been initiated into fatherhood.
I think I have bad timing, because just when I get his diaper changed, that boy raises his arms and bam, second-round! I am learning to come up with a back up plan. I am not sure if a face mask with windshield wipers is necessary yet . . .