Posted by Teaser Company
on April 29, 2025
Introduction:
You bring your baby home and notice their skin and eyes turning yellow. Panic? Not quite. This could be newborn jaundice, and while it sounds scary, it’s often harmless and very common in newborns.
🔍 What is Jaundice in Newborns?
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Definition |
Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood. |
|
Caused by |
Immature liver not yet fully efficient in breaking down bilirubin. |
|
Common Timeline |
Usually appears on day 2–3 of life, peaks by day 5, and fades by 2 weeks. |
🧪 What is Bilirubin?
|
Term |
Meaning |
|
Bilirubin |
A yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. |
|
Why it increases |
Babies are born with extra red blood cells that break down quickly. |
|
Liver's role |
Liver filters and removes bilirubin—but in newborns, this process is slow. |
⚠️ When to Worry? Normal vs. Concerning
|
Type of Jaundice |
Is It Normal? |
What It Means |
|
Physiological Jaundice |
Yes ✅ |
Most common. Harmless. Resolves on its own. |
|
Breastfeeding Jaundice |
Yes, sometimes |
Happens when baby isn’t feeding well, leading to dehydration. |
|
Breast Milk Jaundice |
Yes, mild cases |
Some breast milk slows bilirubin breakdown. Often harmless. |
|
Pathological Jaundice |
No 🚨 |
Appears <24 hrs after birth or is very intense. Needs medical attention. |
🔍 Symptoms Checklist
|
Look For |
Details |
|
Yellowing of skin and eyes |
Start from face, move to chest and legs. |
|
Poor feeding |
Baby feeds less or is unusually sleepy. |
|
Dark yellow urine |
Should be light in newborns. |
|
Pale stool (grey or chalky) |
Warning sign—get immediate help. |
🏥 How Jaundice is Diagnosed
|
Method |
Details |
|
Physical exam |
Pediatrician examines skin and eyes. |
|
Skin scanner (bilirubin meter) |
Non-invasive check of bilirubin level. |
|
Blood test (TSB test) |
Measures actual bilirubin level. May be repeated over days. |
✅ Home Care & Monitoring Tips
|
Action |
Why It Helps |
|
Feed frequently (every 2–3 hrs) |
Hydration helps flush out bilirubin via urine and stools. |
|
Sunlight exposure (indirect) |
Natural light can help break down bilirubin through skin. |
|
Track symptoms daily |
Take photos to track yellowing—share with pediatrician if unsure. |
🩺 When is Treatment Needed?
|
Treatment Option |
Used When |
|
Phototherapy |
Blue light helps break down bilirubin. Common and safe. |
|
Supplemental feeding |
If baby isn’t nursing enough or needs extra hydration. |
|
IV fluids or exchange transfusion |
Very rare. Used in high-risk or severe cases. |
✍️ A Relatable Note from a New Mom:
“When my baby turned yellow on day 3, I was terrified. But my pediatrician calmly explained it was physiological jaundice. We just had to feed her more often, and keep her in a sunny room during the day. By the end of the week, the yellow faded—just like he said it would.”
🧡 Final Words:
Jaundice is common—affecting nearly 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm babies. In most cases, it resolves naturally. The key is to monitor it closely, act fast if symptoms worsen, and always keep in touch with your pediatrician.