On the 4th day, (7th April) we brought Gabriel for a check up to check on the jaundice level. To my disappointment, the jaundice level was very high. According to the pediatrician, Dr. Irene Chan, that Gabriel’s jaundice index was 291 (at 300, he has to be admitted). Apparently, it 291 was considered high for a 4 day old baby, hence she advised that was admit the baby into a hospital straight away. We chose Mount Alvernia mainly because of the location. However, being a mom for the first time, I was heartbroken to know that he has to be separated from me for 2 days. Tears swelled up my eyes and couldn’t help but hold him so close to my chest.
We arrived at Mount Alvernia, St Gabriel’s ward (Jaundice room) where he does his photo therapy. It was such a painful sight to see him cry and feel so unsettled on the bed. I had no choice but to carry him to try to breast feed him, hoping that he’ll fall asleep soon and be able to receive the treatment as soon as possible. However this boy is so super sensitive. He cried the moment they unwrapped him. He struggled. Cried. Oh…my heart really hurts to see him reacting this way. Mark quickly pulled me away. I guess we just have to trust him into the hands of the nurses… and most importantly ….in God’s hands!
When we reached home,….it just felt so strange and different. It was so empty. So quiet. No baby cries. No breastfeeding. Couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t sit. Nothing that I could do. LOST.
The next day morning (Sunday), we received a call from Dr. Chan saying that the jaundice level has gone down by a little, but not good enough to bring him home yet. So another day without the baby.
9th April 2007
Baby Gabriel finally came home with a lower index of 198 compared to 297 when he was first admitted. He was still 'yellow' for the next few days, infact weeks. Seemed to have improved this week.
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