Jaundice

Tag:baby problems, bilirubin, jaundice, yellowish skin

This problem is usually not present at birth. It starts around the second or third day of birth.

It may build up till the end of the first week.

Jaundice is a condition of the baby which makes the baby’s skin and white eyes turns yellowish. The yellowish colour on the body is caused by bilirubin which is accumulated in the blood because the baby’s liver is not matured enough to process this chemical fast enough.

Juandice condition not like other problems, maybe harmful to the baby and you should consult a doctor to monitor closely the severity of the jaundice. The measurement of bilirubin level can be determined through blood test. Jaundice can be treated in the hospital using phototherapy. Mild jaundice is not threatening and can be treated at home by placing the baby under the morning sun or by placing the baby near the window to allow the indirect sun to shine onto the baby a few hours a day.

Breastfed babies will tend to have worse jaundice cases and it takes longer for the bilirubin to subside.