Newborn Jaundice
We know this can be a stressful time with lots of information from healthcare providers. It can be difficult to absorb everything.
We hope the following pages will be helpful in providing you with the education and resources you need to support your child from home.
What is jaundice?
Jaundice refers to yellowing of the skin or sclera (the white parts of the eyes). It is caused by a molecule in the body called bilirubin.
Bilirubin is found in the red blood cells. When they break down, this molecule is released into the blood. The liver and kidneys then process bilirubin, and it leaves the body through the urine and stool.
Many newborns experience jaundice. There are a variety of reasons that can lead to jaundice. Some are physiological, meaning normal bodily processes, while others are due to identifiable conditions.
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Other Resources: AboutKidsHealth - Jaundice in newborns
Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice
The signs & symptoms of jaundice can include:
- yellowing of the skin
- yellowing of the sclera (white parts of the eyes)
- sleepiness
- difficulty feeding
In more severe cases, newborns can present with irritability, abnormal posturing or even seizures but these symptoms are now rare as babies are carefully monitored from birth.
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Monitoring Newborn Jaundice
All newborns should undergo testing for jaundice at or before 24 hours of age.
Testing measures the amount of bilirubin either by taking a blood sample or using a probe that is placed on the skin. The method can vary and depends on the patient’s history and availability of the testing method.
Depending on the results, babies may go on to have further monitoring or treatment.
Hospital Care
If your newborn has jaundice, they may need to stay in hospital for further monitoring or treatment.
A. Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a treatment that uses light to help reduce the amount of bilirubin in the blood.
The light is often blue because blue light contains the frequency that is known to break down the bilirubin molecule. It is not ultraviolet light (the type of light that can cause sunburns).
Your baby will need to be placed close to the light with as much skin exposed as possible. For this reason, babies are usually placed in an isolette to help them stay warm. They wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from the light.
B. IV Fluids
Your doctor may have prescribed intravenous (IV) fluids to help improve your child's hydration and help bring down the bilirubin level in the blood.
C. Medications
In some cases of jaundice, there are IV medications that can be used to help treat the problem. If your baby requires IV medicine, talk to your doctor for more information.
D. Feeding
Feeding is an important part of treatment for jaundice. Unless the baby is very sick, feeding your baby every 2 to 3 hours is recommended and breastfeeding is encouraged.
In some instances, your healthcare provider may recommend supplementing with either breast milk or formula. This is meant to help with keeping your baby hydrated which can help improve jaundice.
What to do at home
Click below for information on ways to help at home.
Feeding
One of the most important things you can do at home is to feed your baby. Feeding should occur at least every 3 hours but can be sooner if your baby is showing signs of hunger. Please follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
Vitamin D
Breastfed babies should receive vitamin D 400 international units (IU) per day. Caring for Kids - Vitamin D
Should I put my baby in the sun?
No. If your baby has jaundice requiring phototherapy, this will be done in the hospital where special lights and controlled surroundings are used to ensure jaundice is treated safely. MyHealth Alberta - Jaundice in Newborns
When to seek medical attention
Here are some signs that, if present, should lead you to seek immediate medical attention for your newborn:
- visibly worsening jaundice
- excessively sleepy, lethargic, or not responsive newborn
- poor intake leading to dehydration
- irritability (inability to console your baby)
- fever
Follow Up
Please follow up with your primary care provider unless instructed otherwise. Of course, if you feel your child needs immediate medical attention, please do not hesitate to call 911 or bring them to your closest emergency department.
We hope this has been useful. Thank you for using Paediatrics@home!