This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Newborn Jaundice
Newborn jaundice affects about 60% of all newborns. The yellowish skin and eye discolouration is caused by elevated bilirubin. In most cases harmless and resolves on its own.
Possible Causes
- 1Physiological jaundice: immature liver can't break down bilirubin fast enough
- 2Breast milk jaundice: substances in breast milk slow bilirubin breakdown (harmless)
- 3Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby
- 4Premature birth: even more immature liver
- 5Rarely: biliary atresia (bile ducts not properly formed)
What You Can Do
- Frequent breastfeeding (8-12x in 24 hours) — promotes bilirubin excretion through stool
- Phototherapy (blue light) for elevated levels — in hospital
- Sunlight: indirect daylight by window can help slightly (no direct sunbathing!)
- DO NOT stop breastfeeding — breastfeeding is the best treatment
When to See a Doctor
- Yellowing in the first 24 hours of life → report immediately
- Yellowing spreads to legs and feet
- Baby is sleepy, feeds poorly, has high-pitched cry
- Jaundice not improving after day 14
- Stool is WHITE or very pale (biliary atresia → EMERGENCY)
Age-Specific Notes
Physiological jaundice: Appears day 2-3, peaks day 3-5, resolves by day 10-14. Breast milk jaundice: Can last up to 12 weeks — harmless, DO NOT stop breastfeeding. Day 1 jaundice: ALWAYS pathological and needs investigation.
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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.