Newborn Jaundice: What Parents Should Know and When to Seek Help
The first few days with a newborn are filled with excitement and many new experiences. One common condition parents may notice is newborn jaundice, which makes a baby’s skin or eyes look yellow.
Mild jaundice is common in newborn babies and often improves as the baby’s liver becomes better at removing bilirubin. However, some babies can develop higher bilirubin levels that need medical attention.
At Motherly Hospitals, we encourage parents to understand the signs of jaundice and seek timely medical advice when needed.
What Is Newborn Jaundice?
Newborn jaundice happens when a substance called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood.
Bilirubin is produced naturally when old red blood cells break down.
A newborn baby’s liver is still developing and may not remove bilirubin from the body as efficiently as an older baby’s or adult’s liver.
This can cause:
- Yellow skin
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes
- Yellow colour inside the mouth
Jaundice commonly becomes noticeable during the first few days after birth.
Why Is Jaundice Common in Newborns?
Newborn babies go through several natural changes after birth.
Common reasons include:
- The baby’s liver is still developing.
- Newborns have a higher turnover of red blood cells.
- The baby may not be getting enough milk during the first few days.
- Premature babies may have a higher risk.
- Certain blood-group differences between mother and baby can increase bilirubin levels.
- Bruising during delivery can sometimes contribute to higher bilirubin levels.
Most newborn jaundice is mild, but doctors may recommend testing to make sure bilirubin levels are safe.
How Parents Can Notice Jaundice
Parents may notice a yellow colour:
- First on the baby’s face
- Then on the chest or abdomen
- Sometimes on the arms and legs
- In the whites of the eyes
Jaundice can be harder to notice on darker skin. Looking at the baby’s eyes and checking the skin in good natural light can make changes easier to notice.
Feeding Is Important
Good feeding is an important part of newborn care.
For breastfeeding babies:
- Feed regularly.
- Follow your healthcare team’s feeding guidance.
- Watch whether your baby is feeding well.
- Ask for breastfeeding support if your baby has difficulty latching or feeding.
Breastfed newborns are generally encouraged to feed frequently during the first few days. Adequate feeding helps the baby pass bilirubin through stools and urine.
If your baby is difficult to wake for feeds or is not feeding properly, contact your baby’s healthcare provider.
How Is Jaundice Checked?
Doctors may check your baby’s bilirubin level using:
- A special device placed against the skin
- A blood test when required
The bilirubin level is interpreted based on the baby’s age in hours and other individual factors.
Babies may also need follow-up testing after leaving the hospital, depending on their bilirubin level and other risk factors.
When Does Jaundice Need Treatment?
Most babies with mild jaundice do not need special treatment.
When bilirubin becomes too high, doctors may recommend phototherapy.
Phototherapy uses special light to help the baby’s body break down bilirubin.
Depending on the baby’s condition, treatment may be provided in the hospital or, in selected situations, with appropriate equipment at home under medical supervision.
Very severe jaundice is uncommon but requires urgent medical treatment.
Do Not Treat Jaundice With Sunlight
Parents may hear advice about placing a baby in direct sunlight.
Do not use sunlight as a substitute for medical treatment.
If your baby has jaundice, follow the bilirubin testing and treatment advice provided by your pediatrician.
When Parents Should Seek Medical Help
Contact your baby’s doctor promptly if:
- The yellow colour is becoming more noticeable.
- Jaundice spreads from the face to the body.
- Your baby is not feeding well.
- Your baby is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake.
- Your baby is not producing enough wet nappies.
- Jaundice does not seem to be improving.
- Your baby’s urine is unusually dark.
- Your baby’s stools are very pale or chalky.
Jaundice appearing during the first 24 hours after birth needs prompt medical assessment.
Get Urgent Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical care if a baby with jaundice:
- Is extremely sleepy or difficult to wake
- Is not feeding
- Becomes floppy or unusually stiff
- Has unusual jerking or twitching movements
- Has breathing difficulty
- Has a high or low temperature
- Has very few or no wet nappies
These signs can indicate that the baby needs immediate medical assessment.
Supporting Your Baby at Home
Parents can support their newborn by:
- Following the recommended feeding schedule.
- Attending bilirubin follow-up appointments.
- Following the pediatrician’s treatment advice.
- Keeping track of feeding and wet nappies.
- Watching for changes in skin and eye colour.
- Asking for help when feeding is difficult.
Never give your newborn medicines or home remedies for jaundice without medical advice.
Newborn Care at Motherly Hospitals
At Motherly Hospitals, we understand that seeing yellow skin or eyes in your newborn can be worrying, especially for first-time parents.
Our pediatric and newborn care approach focuses on careful assessment, appropriate bilirubin monitoring, feeding support, and timely treatment when required.
Parents can speak with our healthcare team about their baby’s feeding, jaundice, growth, and overall newborn health.
A Simple Reminder for Parents
Newborn jaundice is common and is often mild. However, yellow skin should not simply be ignored.
Keep an eye on your baby’s colour, feeding, activity, urine, and stools. Follow your baby’s scheduled check-ups and bilirubin testing recommendations.
If you notice jaundice getting worse or your baby is not feeding or behaving normally, contact your pediatrician promptly.
At Motherly Hospitals, we are here to support your baby and your family from the first days of life with attentive newborn and pediatric care.
Our family-centered approach to healthcare ensures that each member of your family receives personalized attention.
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