What causes breast milk jaundice?

Understanding Breast Milk Jaundice
Breast milk jaundice is a condition that affects some newborns during the early days of life, characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin. This phenomenon typically arises within the first week after birth and is distinct from other forms of jaundice that can occur in infants.
The Mechanism Behind Breast Milk Jaundice
The exact cause of breast milk jaundice remains somewhat elusive to medical professionals. However, it is believed that certain substances present in breast milk may interfere with the liver’s ability to process bilirubin effectively. Specifically, these substances may inhibit the proteins responsible for breaking down bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream.
Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells, and while it is normal for newborns to experience some level of jaundice, breast milk jaundice can prolong this condition. In healthy infants, the liver typically matures and begins to process bilirubin more efficiently over time. However, in cases of breast milk jaundice, this maturation process can be hindered by the components in breast milk.
Factors Contributing to the Condition
Several factors may contribute to the development of breast milk jaundice. One significant aspect is the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in breast milk, which has been linked to the condition. EGF plays a crucial role in the growth and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract in newborns, and higher levels of this factor have been observed in infants experiencing breast milk jaundice.
Additionally, inadequate milk intake can exacerbate jaundice. When infants do not receive enough breast milk, the passage of meconium—their first stool, which contains bilirubin—is delayed. This delay can lead to increased bilirubin levels in the bloodstream, compounding the jaundice.
Clinical Implications and Management
While breast milk jaundice can be concerning for parents, it is generally considered a benign condition. Most infants with breast milk jaundice are otherwise healthy and do not require treatment beyond monitoring. In many cases, the jaundice resolves on its own as the infant’s liver matures and becomes more efficient at processing bilirubin.
Healthcare providers often recommend continued breastfeeding, as it is essential for the infant’s nutrition and overall health. In instances where bilirubin levels become excessively high, more frequent feedings may be encouraged to help lower bilirubin levels by promoting the passage of meconium.
In summary, breast milk jaundice is a common condition that arises from the interplay of breastfeeding and the infant’s developing liver function. While the precise mechanisms are still being studied, understanding the factors involved can help parents and caregivers navigate this phase with confidence.

Do vitamin D drops help with jaundice?

This indicates that vitamin D is important in reducing bilirubin levels in jaundice neonates. In other words, the vitamin D levels of newborns with jaundice are low. These findings also suggest that mothers should take vitamin D to reduce the level of bilirubin in newborns [25].

What is the common cause of breastfeeding jaundice?

Breast milk jaundice is seen after the first week of life. It is likely caused by: Factors in a mother’s milk that help a baby absorb bilirubin from the intestine. Factors that keep certain proteins in the baby’s liver from breaking down bilirubin.

What color is jaundice poop?

Unconjugated or indirect bilirubin: This pigment is increased mostly in infants with neonatal jaundice. It is the bilirubin associated with normal destruction of older red blood cells. This is called physiologic jaundice. The baby’s urine is usually light yellow and the stool color is mustard yellow or darker.

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.

How long does it take for jaundice to go away from breast milk?

In some babies, breast milk prevents the liver from quickly removing bilirubin. This is called breast milk jaundice and happens after the first week of life. Bilirubin levels slowly improve over 3–12 weeks.

What are the maternal causes of jaundice?

Maternal risk factors for neonatal jaundice included syphilis and leiomyoma during pregnancy, and salpingo-oophoritis before pregnancy.

How do I stop 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.

Is jaundice in babies caused by the mother?

What Causes Jaundice in Children? During pregnancy, the mother’s liver breaks down the baby’s bilirubin. After birth, the baby’s own liver takes over this task. Jaundice occurs when the baby’s liver is not able to handle extra bilirubin on its own.

What are the yellow chunks in breast milk?

“Fat globules” or “chunks” in milk are actually just coagulated milk comprised of normal milk contents — proteins, cholesterol/lipids, and general ductal debris (dead cells), usually in the setting of hyperlactation (oversupply) and exclusive pumping.