What Causes Breast Milk Jaundice?
Breast milk jaundice is a common condition that affects newborns. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is normally removed from the body through the liver, but in newborns, the liver is not fully developed and cannot remove bilirubin as efficiently. This can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.
Breast milk jaundice is usually harmless and will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Symptoms of Breast Milk Jaundice
The most common symptom of breast milk jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This usually appears within the first few days of life and peaks at around 7-10 days. Other symptoms of breast milk jaundice can include:
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Fussiness
Poor feeding
Causes of Breast Milk Jaundice
The most common cause of breast milk jaundice is the immature liver of a newborn. However, there are other factors that can contribute to breast milk jaundice, including:
Exclusively breastfeeding: Newborns who are exclusively breastfed are more likely to develop breast milk jaundice than newborns who are formula-fed. This is because breast milk contains a substance called beta-glucuronidase, which can increase the levels of bilirubin in the blood.
Frequent feedings: Newborns who are fed frequently may also be more likely to develop breast milk jaundice. This is because frequent feedings can increase the amount of beta-glucuronidase in the breast milk.
Dehydration: Dehydration can also lead to breast milk jaundice. This is because dehydration can cause the liver to become less efficient at removing bilirubin from the blood.
Treatment for Breast Milk Jaundice
In most cases, breast milk jaundice will go away on its own within a few weeks. However, if the jaundice is severe or does not go away after a few weeks, treatment may be necessary. Treatment for breast milk jaundice may include:
Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a treatment that uses light to break down bilirubin. Newborns who are treated with phototherapy are placed under a special light for several hours each day.
Exchange transfusion: In rare cases, an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This is a procedure in which the baby's blood is replaced with donor blood.
Prevention of Breast Milk Jaundice
There is no surefire way to prevent breast milk jaundice, but there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk, including:
Breastfeeding on demand: Breastfeeding on demand can help to prevent dehydration, which can lead to breast milk jaundice.
Offering formula supplements: If the baby is not gaining weight well or is dehydrated, formula supplements may be necessary.
Avoiding overfeeding: Overfeeding can increase the amount of beta-glucuronidase in the breast milk, which can lead to breast milk jaundice.
When to Call the Doctor
If your baby has breast milk jaundice, it is important to call the doctor if:
The jaundice is severe
The jaundice does not go away after a few weeks
The baby is not feeding well
The baby is lethargic or irritable
The baby has a fever
Breast Milk Jaundice and Breastfeeding
Breast milk jaundice is not a reason to stop breastfeeding. In fact, breastfeeding can actually help to reduce the risk of breast milk jaundice. Breast milk contains substances that can help the liver to remove bilirubin from the blood.
If your baby has breast milk jaundice, it is important to continue breastfeeding on demand. If the baby is not gaining weight well or is dehydrated, formula supplements may be necessary. However, it is important to avoid overfeeding, as this can increase the risk of breast milk jaundice.
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