Jaundice in newborn babies occurs when the liver breaks down excess red blood cells in the body, creating a yellow pigment called bilirubin. This is a normal physiological process and usually subsides within a week or two. Premature babies may be more jaundiced than full-term babies, and some babies may suffer from more severe forms of jaundice caused by a blood incompatibility between mother and baby or other medical conditions. Occasionally, jaundice may cause long-term damage, which is why doctors monitor it closely. Natural remedies are usually enough to resolve jaundice.
Breastfeeding
Breastfed babies may have higher levels of bilirubin than formula fed babies, but don't be alarmed. Continue breastfeeding frequently and make sure baby is latched on correctly. As your milk comes in and baby continues to nurse regularly, bilirubin levels go down. Do not give your baby sugar water, which is an old remedy that can make jaundice worse, according to the AskDrSears website. If your doctor recommends switching to formula for a few days to reduce jaundice, ask if you can supplement with breastmilk to keep up your milk supply.
Light
Your doctor may prescribe phototherapy, or exposure to light, which breaks down bilirubin in the skin. If your baby has high levels of bilirubin, your doctor may ask you to come to the hospital where your baby will be placed under phototherapy lights. Ask for a fiber-optic blanket instead if your baby is mildly jaundiced. You can use the blanket at home by wrapping your baby in it during feedings to reduce jaundice. Lay your unclothed baby on a blanket next to a warm window for 15 minutes, two to three times per day to naturally reduce mild jaundice. Avoid breezes that might chill him and remove him after 15 minutes so he doesn't get sunburned.
Homeopathic Treatments
Several homeopathic treatments are effective for treating jaundice, according to Dr. Lauren Feder, MD, author of "Natural Baby and Childcare." Arnica montana is helpful if the birth was traumatic and your baby is bruised or swollen. Try Aconitum napellus for acute jaundice that occurs rapidly or Chelidonium malus for babies who are tired and sluggish. Typically, the breastfeeding mother can take homeopathic treatments that will be passed through the breastmilk. Talk with your healthcare provider, though, before using homeopathic treatments or other medications with a newborn.
Considerations
Monitor your baby in the first two weeks after birth for signs of jaundice. Hold your baby in natural daylight and press gently on her forehead with your finger. If the skin looks pale, the baby does not have jaundice. If the skin under your finger has a yellow hue, consult your doctor, especially if your baby sleeps a lot and isn't nursing frequently. Untreated jaundice can cause deafness, cerebral palsy or brain damage.
References
- AskDrSears.com: Babies With Jaundice
- "Natural Baby and Childcare"; Lauren Feder, MD; 2006
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