Do Breastfed Babies Have More Cases of Jaundice?
While the reason for breastfed babies having more jaundice than bottle fed babies is unknown, this is not a reason to stop breastfeeding. Follow doctor’s orders in how to treat the jaundice, but often the more feedings the better. Since the extra bilirubin leaves the baby through stools, the more milk, the more stools.
If jaundice continues, then a newborn may be placed under special lights that help break down the bilirubin. Called phototherapy, if a mother prefers(and demands), ask for special permission to hold baby while under the light. This will ensure your newborn bonds and can nurse frequently. Recently “biiliblankets” have become more popular since they are glowing blankets that can be wrapped around the baby. This means the baby, with their blanket, can spend more time bonding, rather than lying in an incubator.
Luckily jaundice is rarely anything to be concerned about. A very common ailment, it does not cause baby pain and will resolve after a few days. If your baby’s jaundice does not clear up, then call your pediatrician.
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