Breast Milk Jaundice: Understanding Newborn Jaundice and Its Treatment

• Breast milk jaundice is a common issue in newborns, typically appearing in the first two weeks of life.
• It occurs when inadequate breast milk intake leads to increased bilirubin absorption due to an underdeveloped liver, causing yellowing of the skin.
• Dr. Shagun Walia, Pediatric Endocrinologist at Medanta Hospital, Noida, emphasizes that most cases are harmless and require only monitoring.
• Breastfeeding should generally not be stopped due to its nutritional and immunological benefits, unless bilirubin levels are critically high under strict medical supervision.
• Phototherapy is the most common and effective treatment for mild to moderate cases, converting bilirubin for excretion.

Why It Matters: Breast milk jaundice is common and usually harmless, requiring monitoring and rarely, temporary breastfeeding interruption.