15/05/2026
Sending this little dude home :)
He developed hyperbilirubinemia or severe jaundice and needed the help of blue light or phototherapy.
Newborn jaundice is a very common condition where a baby's skin and the whites of the eyes appear yellow. It occurs because the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.
Why It Happens
In older children and adults, the liver processes bilirubin and passes it through the intestinal tract. However, a newborn's liver is still maturing and often can't remove bilirubin quickly enough. This "physiologic jaundice" usually appears around the second or third day of life and often clears up on its own within two weeks.
Common Types
Physiologic Jaundice:
The most common form, appearing at 2–4 days and resolving as the liver matures.
**Breastfeeding Jaundice:
Occurs in the first week if a baby isn't getting enough milk (often due to latching issues or the milk not being fully "in").
Breast Milk Jaundice:
Appears after the first week; certain substances in breast milk may interfere with how the liver breaks down bilirubin. This is typically harmless and can last several weeks.
Blood Type Incompatibility: If the mother and baby have different blood types (like Rh or ABO incompatibility), the mother's antibodies may cause the baby's red blood cells to break down faster than usual.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most cases are mild, high levels of bilirubin can be dangerous if left untreated. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if:
1. The yellow color becomes more intense or spreads to the abdomen, arms, or legs.
2. The baby seems listless, sick, or is difficult to wake.
3. The baby isn't feeding well or isn't gaining weight.
4. The baby makes high-pitched cries or seems unusually fussy.
5. Jaundice lasts longer than three weeks.
