Jaundice is a condition that causes the yellowing of the skin and the white part of the eye. If jaundice lasts for more than a week in a healthy, full term breastfed baby, it is known as breast milk jaundice. This type of jaundice tends stop run in families.
 

 

What causes breast milk jaundice ?

 
The exact cause of this type of jaundice is unknown. However there are speculations that it may be linked to

• a substance in breast milk that is blocking the breakdown of bilirubin by the liver
• factors in the mother’s milk that helps the baby absorb bilirubin from the intestines

Breastfeeding jaundice

 
Jaundice  can also occur when your baby doesn’t get enough breast milk instead of from breast milk itself. This is known as breastfeeding  jaundice.  Adequate intake of breast milk increases a  baby’s bowel movement which in turn gets rid of bilirubin . This type of jaundice occurs when

• the baby does not latch properly
• does not get a good start on breastfeeding
• newborn is supplemented  with other substitutes that interferes with breastfeeding

 
Breastfeeding jaundice resolves on it’s on with increased feedings and  help from a lactation consultant to help the baby get adequate amount of breast milk.

What is the treatment for breast milk jaundice ?

 
Treatment depends on the following :

• whether the baby was born early
• how old the baby is
• your baby’s bilirubin level which normally rises during  the first week of life
• how fast your bilirubin level is going up
• how your baby has been feeding

 
In most cases treatment may not be needed. The baby will just be monitored.

If jaundice is caused by baby not getting enough breast milk, it can be resolved by :

• increasing feedings to about 10 to 12 times a day. This will result in increased bowel movement and excretion of  bilirubin
• working with a lactation consultant to make sure the baby is latched on well and getting adequate breast milk. In the meantime you may need to express breast milk while you learn to breastfeed.

 
Rarely the interruption of breastfeeding is used  as an effective treatment for breastfeeding. If the baby’s bilirubin level reaches 20 milligrams or above,  a recommendation for ceasing breastfeeding in conjunction with phototherapy may be used. This can dramatically drop bilirubin level. Mom will resume breastfeeding after 24 hours.

If phototherapy is recommended,  you can talk to your health care provider about using fiber optic blankets. These can be taken home and prevents the interruption of  breastfeeding.

Ask your doctor before using formula. Babies need breast milk because of the many health  benefits. It is best to keep breastfeeding. Formula feeding may cause you to make less breast milk.
 
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