Introduction
Starting phototherapy treatment for neonatal jaundice is a crucial first step – but how do you know it’s working? Effective monitoring ensures your baby’s bilirubin levels are reducing safely. Here’s what parents need to know about assessing treatment response with home phototherapy blankets.
Key Indicators of Effectiveness
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Decline in Serum Bilirubin Levels
This is the most important metric. Your paediatrician will usually order daily or twice-daily blood tests to monitor bilirubin trends. If levels decrease consistently, treatment is working effectively.
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Improved Skin Tone
While not a precise indicator, you may notice a visible reduction in yellowing of your baby’s skin and eyes within the first 24-48 hours of phototherapy blanket hire.
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Normal Feeding and Sleep Patterns
A baby with effective jaundice treatment often feeds well and remains alert during waking times. Lethargy or poor feeding may signal the need for re-evaluation.
What If It’s Not Working?
If bilirubin levels do not decrease within 24–48 hours:
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Your paediatrician may intensify treatment by adding overhead phototherapy lights or switching to hospital-based care.
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Hospital admission may be required for closer monitoring or more intensive therapies.
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Underlying causes such as haemolysis, infection, or liver issues may need to be investigated.
Why Monitoring Matters in Home Phototherapy
When using a phototherapy blanket at home, monitoring ensures the treatment is both effective and safe. Your phototherapy hire provider will supply guidelines for use, and your paediatrician will advise on bilirubin testing frequency to achieve optimal results.
Conclusion
Regular bilirubin monitoring and professional supervision ensure home phototherapy for jaundice is effective. With the right care plan and a reliable phototherapy blanket rental service in Australia, most cases of neonatal jaundice resolve quickly and completely, allowing your baby to thrive without hospitalisation stress.
