I hope this thread is still of interest.  I myself had to deal with a baby
with ABO.  My 3rd (of 4) child, had an elevated cord bili (about 7).  Ped
gave me results at about 14 hours of age and stated need to start
phototherapy to prevent excessive elevation.  I agreed with tx under
condition that isolette and lite be brought to my room so I could cont. on
cue feeding and to minimize out of lite time for baby(in effort to get us
both out of hospital ASAP).  Ped appeared somewhat stunned by my request
(looked at me like I was from Mars) but to his credit stopped and thought
before speaking and said "I'm sure you can care for your baby in isolette
'just as good as' the nursery nurses so let me check and make sure it's OK
with them." I think they knew by my adamant refusal to allow baby pacifier
while I showered (she wasn't in need-they wanted advance approval 'just in
case'!)  that I was likely to be camped out in the nursery so they agreed.
Great outcome---bili never went over 11 and was down to 8 after 48 hrs so
home we went.  I feel CERTAIN that we nipped it in the bud by frequent
feedings and possibly by starting the bili lites early.  Check the updated
AAP guidelines re jaundice as this was 11 years ago. Don't remember what
the "starting" number is for this category and don't have info at home to
look it up. (Einstein (paraphrased): "Don't use up brain cells remembering
facts you can look up.")   Sorry this is a little long but hope this helps
mom to use some preventitive medicine...Mother's finest!
 Peggy Litt, RN, CLC
Hospital-based Lactation Consultant
Quincy, IL
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