Bruce, Day 5

Yesterday afternoon after learning Bruce's bilirubin level was now 19.5 (hospital admission level is 20-21) and he hadn't gained any weight (they want him to gain an ounce a day), I threw all my hang ups about giving my baby formula out the window and just did what had to be done. Every 3 hours or so, I breastfeed for 30 minutes, then pump for another 15-20. While I'm pumping, Chris is feeding Bruce as much formula he needs to feel full, usually about an ounce. On his next feed, whatever I pumped from the session before is fed to him before the formula. Today, we went back to the Newborn Club and guess what - HE GAINED 5 OUNCES IN ONE DAY! Even better news, his bilirubin level is now 17.9! All the hassle of feeding, pumping, formula feeding, bottle washing, swaddling with the bili blanket, etc. is paying off! Tomorrow we get a day off and don't need to go to the Newborn Club, but we do have to keep up with the every 3 hour feeds and keep him on the bili blanket.

The glow of the bili blanket:


Hilarious moment of the day: Chris was changing Bruce's diaper and of course, Bruce peed all over himself and his changing table. (This actually happened within the first hour of bringing him home too...on April Fools!) Bruce got an unscheduled sponge bath this afternoon and was actually very content through the whole thing!

And because everyone loves a sleeping baby...

Bruce busting out of his swaddle, but still sleeping calmly this morning.


This was sometime in the wee hours of the night, when Chris was burping Bruce while I was in the living room pumping. Chris texts me pictures of the baby even when I'm in the next room =)