If you have been told that your healthy baby has jaundice, chances are that you have many questions and concerns. Jaundice is a yellow coloring of the skin that is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. It is very common, occurring in about half of all babies. It usually starts on the second or third day of life, and usually goes away on its own by the end of the first week. It is normal to have bilirubin in the bloodstream, and the liver is responsible for getting rid of the bilirubin. Many newborns have a liver that takes a few extra days to start working really well, so the bilirubin builds up and causes the temporary yellow color to appear in the skin.
How will I know if my baby has jaundice?
As your baby's expert, chances are you will notice right away if your baby's skin color is different than normal. You may even notice that the white part of your baby's eyes is slightly yellow. Too much bilirubin in the blood will make the skin and eyes look yellow. This yellow appearance will first begin on the face, and then spread to the chest and stomach, and then to the legs. Look at your baby's skin under natural light. If you see a yellowish color, contact your doctor or nurse practitioner to see if the jaundice is worrisome.
Will jaundice hurt my baby?
Jaundice is harmful to your baby if the bilirubin reaches a dangerous level in the blood. That's why it is important to call your baby's nurse practitioner or doctor if you think your baby may be jaundiced.
There are several types of jaundice. The most common type occurs when the baby's liver needs extra time to do the job. There are other causes such as mother and baby having different blood types, and a type that only occurs in some breast fed babies. There are still other types that occur mostly in sick babies. Your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner will be able to tell you what kind of jaundice your baby has.
What can I do to treat my baby's jaundice?
Most types of jaundice don't require any special treatment to clear up. All jaundice gets worse if the baby is not feeding well. You should assume that any crying in the first week is due to hunger and if you are not able to satisfy your baby's crying by feeding you should ask for help. If jaundice reaches a high level, special bright lights called "bilirubin lights" may be shone on your baby's skin, helping to break down the buildup of bilirubin faster. If your baby needs this treatment, talk with the doctor or nurse practitioner about the length of treatment and where it will take place. You will play an important role in keeping an eye on the yellow color, and making sure that it is getting better, not worse. Special tests are sometimes used to help your doctor or nurse follow up on this.
Call your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner if you notice:
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011