Its important to note that in the healthy, full-term baby, billirubin levels below 23 to 29 mg/dl have not been associated with short- or long-term health effects (Newman and Klebanoff). I am concerned that the baby sleeps well during the day. The baby needs to nurse 10 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. Elevated billi levels may make the baby more tired. The mother needs to make sure she wakes the baby to nurse every two hours. The billirubin leaves the body through the bowels, and you can't have output if there's not enough input. Breastmilk is better than formula or water at excreting billirubin because it is assimilated by the infant better. Also, see Johnstanton's post for you on the discussion forum. It is important to take care of the mother's feelings. She was/is very overwhelmed.