Home Phototherapy for Babies With Jaundice

Before you go home, PONT will visit you on the ward to show you how to use a special phototherapy blanket called a Biliblanket and how to care for your baby on home phototherapy. [...] The amount of time your baby is on phototherapy depends on the bilirubin level shown in their blood test. Most babies are on phototherapy for 2 to 3 days. PONT will visit you every day at home and take a bilirubin blood test. They will also check how you and your baby are doing, weigh your baby and check their vital signs (pulse, temperature etc). [...] PONT will discuss your baby’s results, and their vital signs, with doctors at the hospital. [...] PONT will contact you to tell you whether your baby needs to remain on the Biliblanket or whether you can switch it o at 9pm that evening. [...] If this happens, PONT will tell you that your baby either needs to go back onto phototherapy or they may need to monitor them by doing another bilirubin blood test the following day. [...] Make sure the top of the bre optic pad is in line with their shoulders. Secure the cover ties under their arms. Once your baby is in a comfortable position, switch on the light. [...] Only take the baby o the Biliblanket if you change their nappy or if they have been sick and you need to clean them up. [...] PONT will give you spare covers in case they become soiled and need to be changed. Only keep your baby o the Biliblanket while you change their nappy or clean up their vomit. [...] Feeding your baby if they have high bilirubin levels It is important that your baby feeds well as this helps to ush out the bilirubin from their bowel when they poo. [...] Although some mothers prefer not to give their babies formula, PONT will suggest a short term formula top up if they believe this is necessary for your baby.