By: Amy Molina. RN.C

Jaundice is when the skin and the whites of the eyes (sclera) are yellow because of increased amounts of the pigment called bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is produced by normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin accumulates if the liver doesn't excrete it into the intestines at a normal rate.

There are 3 types of Jaundice:

1. Physiological Jaundice occurs in more than 50% of babies. Immaturity of the liver leads to a slower processing of bilirubin. The jaundice first appears at 2-4 days of age. It usually disappears by 1-2 weeks of age and the levels reached are harmless.
2. Breast-Milk Jaundice occurs in 1% to 2% of breast-fed babies. A special enzyme in the mother's milk causes it. This enzyme increases the resorbence of bilirubin from the intestine. This type of jaundice starts at 4-7 days and may last from 3-10 weeks.
3. Blood Group Incompatibility. If a mother and baby have different types of blood, sometimes the mother produces antibodies that destroy the newborn's red blood cells. This causes a sudden build up of bilirubin in the baby's blood. This type of jaundice usually begins during the first 25 hours of life. Rh (blood type factor) problems formerly caused the most severe form of jaundice but are now preventable with an injection of Rhogam to the mother within 72 hours after delivery. This prevents her from forming the antibodies that might hurt future babies.

High levels of bilirubin (above 20) can cause deafness, cerebral palsy, or brain damage in some babies. High levels usually occur with blood-type problems but can occur with the other types of jaundice.

Treatment for high bilirubin levels is called Phototherapy (blue lights). These lights help break down the bilirubin in the skin. In rare cases where the level is dangerous, an exchange transfusion may be used. This is done by taking out old blood while giving the baby new blood by means of a blood transfusion. It's like "washing" the bilirubin out.

Most of the time breast-milk jaundice can be prevented by frequent feedings.

Nurse the baby every 1½ to 2½ hours. Since bilirubin is carried out of the body in the stools, passing frequent bowel movements are helpful.

If your baby sleeps more than 5 hours at night, wake him for feedings.

If the level does not come down with frequent feedings alternating each breast-feeding with formula feedings for 2-3 days can reduce it.

Supplementing with glucose water is not as helpful as formula for moving the bilirubin out of the body.

Whenever you miss nursing, be sure to use a breast pump to keep your milk supply up.

Breast-feeding should never be permanently discontinued because of breast-milk jaundice.

Once the jaundice clears, you can return to full breast-feeding. The jaundice will not come back.

Newborns leave the hospital 48 hours after birth in the United States.

Parents have the responsibility of closely observing the degree of jaundice in their newborn. The amount of yellowness is best judged by viewing your baby unclothed in natural light.

Should you suspect jaundice in your newborn, contact your pediatrician.

Robyn's Nest Quick Link Back One Page Home Page Pregnancy Birth-3 Months 3-6 Months 6-9 Months 9-12 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years You can also do a Keyword Search

© 1996-2005 by NYBOR, LLC All rights reserved.
All material on this Internet site is protected by U.S. and international copyrights. Only personal use of such material is permitted. By accessing this page and this site, you expressly agree and consent to the foregoing terms and conditions.
Legal Statement
Privacy Statement

Children's Health