Biliruben

During the early first days of her life, Jaeden's immature organs were struggling to control the amount of biliruben that her body produced. Biliruben is a normal substance that results from the breakdown of old red blood cells. The liver (and to some extent the intestines) normally break down the biliruben. However, in 60% of newborns, their livers aren't mature enough to deal will the onslaught of biliruben. When this happens, the babies are jaundice, or appear yellowish in color. At day 6, Jaeden's biliruben had risen too high, the doctors wanted her under a "bili-blanket". This contraption consists of fiber optic lights that emit a certain wavelength of light. The light changes the shape of the biliruben molecule such that it is easier for little bodies to handle. Thus, Jaeden spent about a week "under the lights".