Empowering NICU Parents Podcast Elevated Bilirubin Levels in Infants: Screening and Management

For our 33rd podcast episode, I review the recommendations for screening and managing hyperbilirubinemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening of bilirubin levels in newborns, so I review how that can be done, when it should occur, and when it should be repeated.

We discuss which infants are more at risk for elevated bilirubin levels and how those risk factors contribute to guidelines for the treatment plan. I discuss the nomograms commonly used and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that guide the care of identifying infants at risk as well as when they should be treated.

I review phototherapy, the primary treatment plan for hyperbilirubinemia, including how it effectively lowers bilirubin levels as well as the clinical considerations that should be applied during treatment.

Whether you are a neonatal clinician or a parent, this review on how to effectively screen for and manage hyperbilirubinemia will be beneficial. Hyperbilirubinemia is incredibly common in neonates. Clinicians who care for infants whether they are a term newborn in the nursery or an infant in the NICU, will manage infants with elevated bilirubin levels. And parents of either term, healthy infants, or those critically ill in the NICU, it is essential that you understand the risks of hyperbilirubinemia and the screening and management process for it. Tune in now to learn more!

Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/

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NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/

Bilirubin Document: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/bili/

Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode33

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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

A podcast specifically meant to educate and empower NICU parents as they endure their baby’s NICU journey. We provide you with tangible tips and support from my unique perspective as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and a proud preemie Mama! Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole will address and support you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand. Tune in and subscribe today!

To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus and the child’s future development, as well as the implications of its use during breastfeeding.

Who would have thought that in 2024, we would be living in a time where marijuana use is so prominent and that it would be legal in 24 states as of January of 2024?!?

But, nonetheless, here we are! Because marijuana has been legalized in so many states, there are now false evolving perceptions on its general safety as well as its implications on the developing fetus and infant who are exposed to it either in utero or through breastmilk. In general, the perception of harm from marijuana is decreasing while the potency of marijuana is scarily increasing. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the United States. And, its use in gaining speed amongst all adult age groups, in both sexes, and in pregnant women.

For our 56th episode, I reviewed the most up-to-date literature and will share the findings from several studies that reveal both short and long-term negative effects on the pregnant mother and developing fetus if used during pregnancy, and its future implications on the growing infant, child, and their transition into the teenage years, and as an adult after prenatal exposure. I will also point out the general concentration of marijuana in breast milk if used by a nursing mother, as well as how long it stays in the breast milk, and how it may impact the exposed infant.

This episode is packed full of useful information and will be ideal for any healthcare worker or for family members and friends who care about a pregnant woman or nursing mother who is currently using marijuana and want to ensure that she is fully educated on the implications of its use on her growing fetus or infant. And last, but actually, the most important, I encourage ALL women who are either considering becoming pregnant or who are currently pregnant and use marijuana on a regular basis, to listen.

Although marijuana use is so prevelant, it is so crucial that we fully understand its potential impact on the fetus and the child’s future development if used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
You will not want to miss this one!

Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com

Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/

NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/

NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/

Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/

Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/

Episode 56 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode56

Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/

Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents

Pinterest Page: https://pin.it/36MJjmH