26.7.2010

Arrived at the hospital just after 8.00am to find William bathing in blue light.

We watched as the nurse started Esther’s light therapy.

This is for treating jaundice which is very common in premature babies but still scary for us, as parents, to see.

The babies are wearing special cotton goggles to protect their eyes from the bright light.  The blue light breaks down bilirubin in the baby’s blood, this is what causes the jaundice.  The lights are expected to be on for a couple of days until the compounds in their blood reach an acceptable level.

This morning was very emotional.  Both David and I had a good cry.  We shut ourselves in the breastfeeding room, held each other and cried.  I think because of all we have been through these past few weeks but also because we don’t know what to do.  We feel so torn between spending time with our babies and getting ready for them at home.  Poor David is also trying to factor in some work!