Fortunately, I took my first baby home from the hospital before they could
make him stay because of jaundice.  On day 3, his bilirubin (sp?) was much
higher than 17 (can't remember exactly but in the 20's)and they wanted to
readmit but my husband told them for me to come up with another plan (I never
plan to step foot in another hospital again).  A home health agency delivered
a portable light blanket that wrapped around the baby's tummy while sleeping
and nursing.  I was told to give glucose water but did not.  I did nurse every
two hours around the clock (I woke the baby if he was sleeping) and kept
careful track of all output.  A nurse came everyday for blood tests to see
when the bilirubin count came down.  Took about 3 days for it to come down to
12 or so.  The point being--when we pushed--there was another option.  He's a
healthy almost 4 year old now.