What is a Bilibed?

What is a Bilibed?

This unique treatment is designed to reduce or eliminate the need for an infant to remain in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for treatment of jaundice after the mother is discharged. The Medela Bilibed distributes UV light to the infant’s back to treat hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice).

What is the use of phototherapy?

Phototherapy. Phototherapy is treatment with a special type of light (not sunlight). It’s sometimes used to treat newborn jaundice by lowering the bilirubin levels in your baby’s blood through a process called photo-oxidation. Photo-oxidation adds oxygen to the bilirubin so it dissolves easily in water.

How do you use Bilibed?

1 Place the Light Unit on a flat, firm surface, such as a table or crib mattress. 2 Place the Baby Support on top of the Light Unit. 3 Attach the Bilicombi to the Baby Support. Position the blanket using the drawing on the Baby Support as a guide.

How is bilirubin related to jaundice?

Babies are not easily able to get rid of the bilirubin, and it can build up in the blood and other tissues and fluids of your baby’s body. This is called hyperbilirubinemia. Because bilirubin has a pigment or coloring, it causes a yellowing of your baby’s skin and tissues. This is called jaundice.

What color is jaundice poop?

It is the bilirubin associated with normal destruction of older red blood cells. This is called physiologic jaundice. The baby’s urine is usually light yellow and the stool color is mustard yellow or darker.

Does jaundice look like tan?

Symptoms of jaundice commonly include: Yellow skin and the white part of the eyes (sclera) — when jaundice is more severe, these areas may look brown. Yellow color inside the mouth. Dark or brown-colored urine.

Is there any side effects of phototherapy?

Side effects — Phototherapy is very safe, but it can have temporary side effects, including skin rashes and loose stools. Overheating and dehydration can occur if a baby does not get enough breast milk or formula. Therefore, a baby’s skin color, temperature, and number of wet diapers should be closely monitored.

What are phototherapy patches?

Phototherapy (photobiomodulation) patches work like acupuncture, in that they stimulate and communicate with the body’s bioelectrical energy system via acupuncture points on the surface of the body.

How do you feed a baby with jaundice?

Supplementation can include mother’s expressed breast milk, pasteurized donor human milk, or infant formula. Usually. Most newborns with jaundice can continue breastfeeding.

Are Bili Blankets effective?

Conclusions: We have shown that the BiliBlanket is as effective as conventional phototherapy and was well accepted by nursing staff and parents.

How can I reduce my bilirubin?

However, following these four tips can help you boost overall liver health in addition to medical guidance.

1. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated helps lower bilirubin levels by facilitating the removal of waste from the body.
2. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Increase your intake of fiber.
4. Avoid alcohol.

What can bilirubin cause?

Excess bilirubin (hyperbilirubinemia) is the main cause of jaundice. Bilirubin, which is responsible for the yellow color of jaundice, is a normal part of the pigment released from the breakdown of “used” red blood cells.

Can a bilibed be used in a crib?

• Place the BiliBed light unit in the baby‘s crib or bassinet. To make sure that sur rounding panels protect the baby, never use the BiliBed without a crib or bassinet. Important Sufficient air must circulate around the BiliBed.

What kind of cover is on a bilibed?

The surface is comprised of an aluminum frame covered with a transparent, skin-friendly plastic cover made of polyurethane (PUR). For optimum positioning of the baby, the BiliBed has a therapy blanket (Bilicombi). Light is directed at the baby through the light permeable fabric on the bottom of the therapy blanket.

How does bilibed phototherapy work in a hospital?

BiliBed® Phototherapy System Medela places the therapy for the newborn in the cradle, so to speak. Because the BiliBed can be fitted into most standard hospital cots, the baby can remain in its mother’s room round the clock. The mother can participate in the care of her baby, thus freeing staff for other duties.

Can a bilibed be fitted to a cot?

The BiliBed can be fitted to most hospital cots currently available. It is therefore particularly suitable for rooming-in. The phototherapy bed works with very low energy consumption.