It's been 6 days since Piper's arrival and they have been met with emotions of elation, exhaustion, confidence, fear, and awe.
We were so excited to meet her, count her fingers and toes, and listen to the sweet gurgle noises babies make.
We have been exhausted with midnight, 2 AM, and then 4 AM, crying sessions, nursing every three hours, and changing back to back diapers.
We have had moments of confidence during her first bath when minimal crying was reported and when we changed her first diaper without getting covered in urine or feces.
Yesterday we went to her first pediatrician appointment and we discovered she is jaundice. The diagnosis was met with fear as we traveled to the hospital to get blood drawn on our 5 day old. (cue most pitiful cries ever) Piper has been readmitted to the hospital for phototherapy which means she will spend the next 24 hours under lights to rid her body of the billirubin that is causing her elevated jaundice levels. As much as I hate seeing her in the "light box" it is amazing how quickly our pediatrician responded. And again it was amazing how quickly Piper was admitted and the treatment was started. We are just in awe of the wonderful nurses and staff that continue to help our little family.
I had no idea that motherhood was just one emotional swing after another. There are moments when I feel like crying and moments where I am so proud to call Pippa mine. Perhaps its just the hormones, or perhaps this is what it really feels like to be someones mom.
Oh no, I'm sorry she has to do phototherapy. I hope it works quickly. Will they still let you nurse her? That's actually a wonderful way to get rid of jaundice; the more she drinks, the more she pees, which eliminates the jaundice.
ReplyDeleteShe's such a sweet thing. And yes, motherhood is one big ball of emotions. One day you can't believe she's yours; the next you're trying to figure out how to sell her on ebay. You're happy, proud, stressed, joyful and TIRED. All at once.
:)
Alison, It did work quickly her numbers were down dramatically and now we are just waiting for a rebound check (to make sure they won't go back up) and hopefully an afternoon hospital discharge. I am still nursing and wow is it tough! They say it gets easier as I guess everything does, but I or should I say "my girls" were just not prepared. How are you enjoying the new computer?
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