Jaundice in Newborns
WHAT IS JAUNDICE?
- Jaundice occurs when a natural chemical in the body called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood causing the skin and eyes to turn yellow.
- Bilirubin normally passes through the stool (poop) as the liver filters it out of the blood. However, it takes a few days for a baby’s liver to filter effectively.
- Jaundice commonly occurs when your baby is 2-5 days old and resolves itself in 1-2 weeks. Jaundice starts on the face and moves downward as it gets worse. As it gets better, the face is the last place jaundice goes away.
The newborn on the left does not have jaundice as a yellowish tint is absent.
The newborn on the right has jaundice as seen from the yellowish tint of the skin and eyes.
CAN JAUNDICE HURT MY BABY?
- Most babies have mild jaundice that is not a problem.
- When there is too much bilirubin, it may be harmful to the baby’s brain.
- If these signs are present, contact your provider:
- Your baby’s skin or eyes turn more yellow
- Your baby is fussy, hard to wake, or not feeding well
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY BABY’S JAUNDICE GO AWAY?
- If you are breastfeeding, continue doing so as breastfeeding is really good for your baby. Breast milk helps babies to have softer, more frequent poops that get rid of bilirubin.
- Feed your baby every 3 hours because this will help you produce enough milk and help the baby get rid of extra bilirubin through stool.
- Breast feed your baby with only a diaper on near a window because indirect sunlight is good for your baby. Do not put your baby into direct sunlight.
DOES BREASTFEEDING AFFECT JAUNDICE?
- Jaundice is more common in breastfeeding babies, but this happens mostly if your are having trouble nursing.
- If your are having trouble breastfeeding, call your provider. PCC also has a breast feeding counselor at 512-684-1744.