Some of your newborn's red blood cells retire and are processed in your child's liver every day. The process creates bilirubin, a byproduct your newborn's liver typically flushes from her body through her stools. Liver underdevelopment, damage overload and different genetic syndromes and blood diseases may compromise your newborn's ability to get rid of bilirubin. Accumulation causes your newborn's skin, eyes and mucous membranes to turn yellow. Physiologic jaundice occurs before your baby starts passing stools or drinking breast milk is normal and typically harmless. Pathologic jaundice is more harmful and may present health risks to your newborn. While most cases of newborn jaundice resolve themselves after two to three weeks, taking action and providing proper care for your baby will help ensure her health.
Step 1
Bring your newborn to the doctor three to five days after giving birth. Your newborn's bilirubin levels are the highest during this time, and the visit serves as a screening for jaundice. Many babies experience jaundice during the first few days of life as their livers adjust to removing bilirubin from the body. After five days, the jaundice may be indicative of a different cause or greater health concern.
Step 2
Breastfeed eight to 12 times a day and every two to three hours to help keep your newborn's bilirubin levels lows. One in 10 newborns develops breastfeeding jaundice because she doesn't drink enough or because of proteins present in breast milk. Newborns who drink formula do not develop breast-milk related jaundice. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding newborns regardless of the jaundice risk. Talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist if you experience breastfeeding complications.
Step 3
Do not place your newborn in direct sunlight. Direct sun exposure may increase your newborn's bilirubin levels and symptoms of jaundice.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about light therapy, also known as phototherapy. If your doctor decides on this course of action, your newborn will lie under a row of lights while wearing eye patches and a diaper. Your newborn's blood and skin absorb the light waves, which help the baby's body process and dispose of bilirubin.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about a biliblanket, a fiber-optic blanket that absorbs light and transfers it to your baby's skin, helping reduce her bilirubin levels. Talk to your doctor to determine how often and how long your newborn should use the blanket.
Tips and Warnings
- Premature babies experience a greater risk of developing jaundice. Breast-milk jaundice occurs when certain substances in your milk decrease your newborn's liver's ability to process bilirubin. Typically harmless, it usually resolves on its own and you should not stop breastfeeding your newborn.
- Jaundice that does not go away or remains untreated may cause serious health problems, including seizures, cerebral palsy and brain damage.
Things You'll Need
- Biliblanket
- Phototherapy light
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Jaundice
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Newborns and Jaundice
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Questions and Answers: Jaundice and Your Newborn
- American Family Physician: Practice Guidelines Briefs
- University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital: Your Baby, Jaundice and Phototherapy
