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Understanding Breast Milk Jaundice and Breastfeeding
Breast milk jaundice is a common condition affecting newborns, characterized by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, which can lead to a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This condition typically arises in the first week of life and can persist for several weeks. A crucial question for many new parents is whether they can continue breastfeeding if their baby is diagnosed with breast milk jaundice.
The Safety of Continuing Breastfeeding
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that most newborns with breast milk jaundice can safely continue breastfeeding. In fact, breastfeeding is encouraged as it provides essential nutrients and hydration to the infant. According to the CDC, healthcare providers typically assess each case individually, determining if supplementation with expressed breast milk, donor milk, or formula is necessary based on the baby’s bilirubin levels and overall health.
Parents should be informed about the nature of breast milk jaundice and its expected clinical course. As noted by medical experts, mothers are generally advised to continue breastfeeding unless there are specific contraindications. This approach not only supports the baby’s nutritional needs but also helps in the natural resolution of jaundice.
Monitoring and Management
While breastfeeding is encouraged, it is essential for parents to monitor their baby’s condition closely. If a baby’s bilirubin levels rise significantly, healthcare providers may recommend temporary interruptions in breastfeeding for diagnostic purposes or to manage bilirubin levels effectively. However, such interruptions are typically short-lived, lasting from 12 to 48 hours, and are not the norm for most cases.
In instances where bilirubin levels remain below 12 mg/dL, continuing breastfeeding is recommended, with the expectation that jaundice will resolve within a few weeks. Increased feeding frequency can also aid in the elimination of bilirubin through the baby’s stool, further supporting the continuation of breastfeeding.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
Parents should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers throughout this process. If jaundice symptoms worsen or if there are concerns about the baby’s feeding patterns, it is crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Healthcare professionals can provide tailored recommendations and support, ensuring that both the mother and baby are healthy and thriving.
In summary, continuing to breastfeed during episodes of breast milk jaundice is generally safe and beneficial. It is vital for parents to stay informed and work closely with healthcare providers to navigate this common condition effectively.
Is breastfeeding bad for jaundice?
Most newborns with jaundice can breastfeed
More frequent breastfeeding can improve the mother’s milk supply. This can also improve the infant’s caloric intake and hydration, thus reducing elevated bilirubin. In rare cases, infants may benefit from interrupting breastfeeding for 12 to 48 hours.
How to flush out jaundice in newborn?
Phototherapy is treatment with a special type of light (not sunlight). It’s sometimes used to treat newborn jaundice by making it easier for your baby’s liver to break down and remove the bilirubin from your baby’s blood. Phototherapy aims to expose your baby’s skin to as much light as possible.
Do you stop breastfeeding in breast milk jaundice?
In most cases, breastfeeding can, and should, continue. More feedings can reduce the risk of jaundice. Breast milk jaundice most often occurs in the second or later weeks of life and can continue for several weeks.
Can you breastfeed during phototherapy?
Breastfed babies who require phototherapy should continue to breastfeed unless clinically contra-indicated due to other pathology; the neonate’s sucking, attachment and mother’s milk supply should be monitored. All feeds should be given via a bottle or NGT if feeding is deemed safe.
How do you treat jaundice while breastfeeding?
The most rapid way to reduce the bilirubin level is to interrupt breastfeeding for 24 hours, feed with formula, and use phototherapy; however, in most infants, interrupting breastfeeding is not necessary or advisable. Phototherapy can be administered with standard phototherapy units and fiberoptic blankets.
What should not a mother eat when a baby has jaundice?
Foods and drinks to limit with jaundice include fried foods, refined carbs and sugary foods, alcohol, and highly processed foods.
Can a mother with jaundice breastfed forum?
Breastfeeding the infant is perfectly safe. Jaundice is a temporary illness that should not prevent from acquiring the benefits of breast milk.
Can I stay with my baby during phototherapy?
Essentially, jaundice is treated with what’s called phototherapy, and the good news is that you can stay at home with your baby while having the treatment. The videos on these pages will tell you more about jaundice in newborns help you feel confident about caring for your baby during phototherapy treatment at home.
Can you breastfeed a baby with jaundice?
At a glance
Most newborns with jaundice can continue breastfeeding. Health care providers should make decisions about supplementation of a jaundiced newborn on a case-by-case basis. Supplementation may include the mother’s expressed breast milk, pasteurized donor human milk, or infant formula.
Can a baby get jaundice from the mother?
This type of jaundice occurs when the mother has Rh negative blood and the baby has Rh positive blood. The combination causes the mother’s blood to make antibodies that break down the baby’s red blood cells more rapidly, increasing bilirubin levels.
