Newborn jaundice is usually detected by noticing that a baby's skin and the whites of his eyes are yellowed. The reason for this yellowing is an excess of bilirubin, which is a substance produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, and usually processed by the liver. In newborn babies, however, the liver may not be mature enough to handle the bilirubin in the blood, and jaundice may occur. Most of the time the condition is not harmful and is naturally self-limiting, but occasionally it can cause brain damage or deafness.
Step 1
Breastfeed your baby if possible. Feed her eight to 12 times per day, waking her to eat if necessary. If you are not breastfeeding, feed your baby formula often. Keeping your baby well-hydrated can help to flush out the excess bilirubin in the stools.
Step 2
Discontinue breastfeeding temporarily if your pediatrician recommends it. In some cases, breast-milk may cause excess bilirubin to accumulate in the blood, and a short hiatus may allow bilirubin levels to fall. Pump your breasts during this time to avoid losing your milk supply, so that breastfeeding can be continued after your baby's jaundice clears up.
Step 3
Place your baby under special lights if his doctor recommends it. This can be done in the hospital or, in some cases, in your home. Ask his doctor about the possibility of putting him in indirect sunlight while wearing only a diaper to create a similar effect. Keep your baby out of direct sunlight to avoid dangerous sunburns.
Step 4
Call your baby's doctor immediately if she develops a fever, becomes more yellow, is listless or is refusing to eat. If your baby was born premature or if she has any other health problems and develops jaundice, call the doctor right away.
Tips and Warnings
- If your baby must be admitted to the hospital for light therapy or a blood transfusion, try to continue breastfeeding if possible. Once the jaundice is treated, he probably will not require further treatment, and breastfeeding can continue normally.
