‘’Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to herself, her baby, and the earth.’’

Breastfeeding jaundice/Breastmilk jaundice

Feeding frequency in the first 3 days of life of breast fed babies is inversely proportional to the levels of their bilirubin, subsequent feedings stimulate the passage of excretion of meconium and bilirubin through stool. Babies who have inadequate milk intake and poor weight gain in the first week of life may have an increased bilirubin. This is known as breastfeeding jaundice. Mother’s should manage this condition with improving feedings, the use of water has no evidence on improving this condition. 

After the first week of life in a breast fed baby, the increased bilirubin may be because of the presence of an unknown factor in milk that increases intestinal absorption of bilirubin. This is called breastmilk jaundice (and is a diagnosis of exclusion)

How to manage this condition? 

Increase the frequency of breastfeeding to at least 8-12 times a day to help remove bilirubin from the baby’s body. Ensure that the baby is latching and feeding correctly, and that they are getting enough milk during each food. Encourage the baby to feed for longer periods of time, as long as they feed, the more milk they will consume. Offer both breasts at each feed to ensure that the baby is getting enough milk. Monitor the baby’s weight and urine output to ensure your baby is getting enough milk. Get plenty of rest and fluids; dehydration and tiredness can reduce milk supply. Consider using a breast pump to help increase milk supply and ensure that the baby is getting enough milk.