A Normal Mom

We got Lucas' bilirubin (jaundice) levels back today and they rocketed up from 10.8 to 13!! I was crying earlier. I was so frustrated because I had even put him in the sun in the window a few times this week, and I have been feeding him non-stop---not to mention cleaning his full poop/pee diapers. I was really concerned that there was an underlying reason for his levels to be that high. The nurse called me and told me to get the levels checked again today, and if they go up again, he will have to go to the hospital and be under the lights again. I was pretty upset.
So we got dressed quickly and strapped him in and went back to the doctor. I decided to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rauchwarg today right after the labwork, since the medical practice is conveniently connected to the hospital where we get the lab done. Lucas was very good considering he has been pricked all over his feet. It was adorable too because the nurse that took his blood was saying, "He is so cute!" just as Lucas let out a huge messy LOUD poopoo!
Anyway, we went back to the doctor and asked him what could be wrong. They weighed him and he has gained quite a bit of weight in the 3 days since they weighed him; from 7 lbs 9 oz to 8 lbs 1 oz! I was pleased to know that he is definitely feeding well. The doctor came in and got the results from the lab, and the levels went back down to 11. He explained that every newborn has a spike in their bilirubin levels, and once they peak and go down, they are no longer a concern. The most probable reason they seemed to go up and down, is that the bilirubin UV lights in the hospital created a premature drop in his levels. So the big 13 was most likely his peak. And he won't need to be pricked anymore because he is gaining weight, looks less yellow, and even the whites of his eyes are already lighter. I am feeling better now, and I am glad that I scheduled the appt with the dr anyway. I was so worried and frustrated that I wasn't doing something right. The doctor said, "You know what that makes you? A normal mom!" SO, all is well for now, and he has fed, and sleeping. Time to go eat and pump!

Here are some adorable pictures John took of him before his labwork was done- they are probably the ones that actually really look like him (a lot of the pictures/video don't resemble his true features):