Breastfeeding – Jaundice

Can it be true that breastfed babies are more susceptible to jaundice?

Yes it is true. The level of bilirubin in breastfed babies is higher than that in babies fed on formula from the start. This increased level of bilirubin can persist for up to six weeks, but is not a reason to stop breastfeeding.

The temptation to supplement the breastfed baby with water or glucose water is not a good idea, as it seems to raise the bilirubin levels even higher. In addition it is vital to breastfeed regularly during these early days in order to get feeding established. If possible, feeding the baby immediately after birth can reduce the severity of the jaundice.

There are a very tiny number of babies for whom breastfeeding causes a serious problem concerning jaundice. Usually they develop jaundice later than other babies, after a week or so of life. It is possible that some breastmilk contains a substance that slows the breakdown of bilirubin. If this is the case you and your doctor will be carefully monitoring the situation and your doctor may suggest a variety of treatments, which may include formula supplementation for a limited amount of time until the jaundice clears.

See also:
Breastfeeding – After Caesarean
Breastfeeding – Alcohol to boost milk
Breastfeeding – Basic info
Breastfeeding – Breast infection continuing feeding
Breastfeeding – Breast infection or mastitis
Breastfeeding – Difficulty
Breastfeeding – Effect of exercise
Breastfeeding – Effect of laughter
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Discomfort
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Pain Relief
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Reason
Breastfeeding – Fear
Breastfeeding – Feeding positions
Breastfeeding – Feeding when ill
Breastfeeding – Frequent feeding
Breastfeeding – Importance
Breastfeeding – Increasing Milk
Breastfeeding – In the beginnning
Breastfeeding – Latching
Breastfeeding – Leaking Milk
Breastfeeding – Let-down Reflex
Breastfeeding – Medication
Breastfeeding – Milk Consistency
Breastfeeding – Milk Release
Breastfeeding – Milk Starting
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Sickness
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Stress
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Thirst
Breastfeeding – Nipples Healing
Breastfeeding – Nipples Painful
Breastfeeding – Nipples Washing
Breastfeeding – Overdue Baby
Breastfeeding – Reasons Not To
Breastfeeding – Restless Baby
Breastfeeding – Second Baby
Breastfeeding – Shape Of Breasts
Breastfeeding – Simplicity
Breastfeeding – Sleepy Baby
Breastfeeding – Some Advantages
Breastfeeding – Watery Breastmilk
Breastfeeding – Weight Loss
Breastfeeding – When To Wean
Breastfeeding – World breast feeding day