Yellow Babies - Physiological Jaundice

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin, eyes and mucus membranes (like inside the mouth).

In the womb, foetuses get their nutrition and oxygen supply via the umbilical cord. These goodies are transported around the body in the blood to nourish all the cells, tissues and organs. To do this, foetus have more red blood cells.

After birth, not requiring that many red blood cells, they start to break down red blood cells. These are broken into smaller molecules like bilirubin. Bilirubin can build up in the tissues, like under the skin, which causes a yellow appearance.

Overtime, the bilirubin is broken down and eliminated in the poo causing the yellowing to disappear.

This is a normal and healthy process.

Sometimes jaundice can be due to something more serious. This will be picked up in the first 24 hours by your birthing team.

How Common is Jaundice in Newborns?

Very common. In fact around 50-60% of term babies and 80% of prem babies will have jaundice in the first week _{(Neonatal Jaundice, 2013)}.

Jaundice is more common and prolonged in breastfeeding infants. In fact, it's got it's own name - "breastmilk jaundice". It occurs in two thirds of breastfed babies persisting for several weeks, even up to 3 months. Continuing to breastfeed your baby is actually really helpful so it's not a reason to stop feeding. More on that below.

Helping your newborn with Jaundice

• Frequent Feeding: Early and frequent feeds is the usual treatment. Babies should be nursed 8-12 times in the first few days. This helps the liver to break down and eliminate bilirubin in the poo while preventing dehydration.
  
• Phototherapy: Some babies with jaundice will require light therapy, called phototherapy. This is usually done in the hospital crib. Not all babies need phototherapy.
• Indirect Sunlight: Spending time with the baby in a light-filled room with big windows may be beneficial.
• Massage: Adding baby massage can be beneficial when used alongside other therapies, like frequent feeding and light therapy _{(Abdellatif et al., 2020).}
  

Signs to Watch Out For

Jaundice that starts in the first 24 hours after birth will be investigated further to find the cause of it. This will be assessed by your birth team.

If your baby experiences the following, please seek medical assessment right away _{("Clinical Practice Guidelines : Jaundice in early infancy", 2020)}: