The incidence of breastfeeding jaundice is 1-2% or higher. Why do some babies develop jaundice after breastfeeding? Doctors have found that one of the main reasons may be related to the absorption of bilirubin in the newborn’s small intestine. Breast milk jaundice is due to the presence of glucuronidase in the mother’s milk, which is particularly active, causing bilirubin to be repeatedly absorbed in the baby’s small intestine, whereupon the baby develops jaundice and persists. Breast milk jaundice can generally be divided into two types: early-onset and late-onset. Early-onset jaundice is similar to the onset and peak of physiological jaundice in newborns, i.e., it appears 2-3 days after birth, is most pronounced on days 4-6, and then subsides within two weeks. However, in clinical practice, the highest values of breast milk jaundice exceed those of physiologic jaundice. Late onset occurs later, often immediately after physiologic jaundice, and may worsen after the reduction of physiologic jaundice, meaning that breast milk jaundice often appears 7-14 days after the baby’s birth. Whether early-onset or late-onset breast milk jaundice, once breastfeeding is stopped for 3-5 days, the jaundice will subside; if breastfeeding is started again, the jaundice will reappear. Breast milk jaundice lasts longer than general physiological jaundice, in some cases up to 1-2 months, but can be distinguished from hepatitis by laboratory tests. Should I stop breastfeeding after the onset of breast milk jaundice? Generally speaking, breast milk jaundice has a good prognosis and usually does not present with severe symptoms and does not require special medication. If the diagnosis of breast milk jaundice is confirmed by laboratory tests, there is no need to be nervous about taking your baby to the hospital several times to avoid cross infection. Breastfeeding jaundice does not require medication. In mild cases, you can continue to eat breast milk, but in severe cases, you should stop using breast milk and switch to other formulas. Breast milk is the most ideal nutrition for your baby. To give your baby the necessary nutrients, breastfeeding can be done in small amounts several times. During the suspension period, breast milk can be sucked out with a breast pump to ensure continuous milk production, and then continue breastfeeding after the baby’s jaundice has reduced or subsided. Thereafter, there is no need to stop breastfeeding, even if there is mild jaundice. Generally speaking, as the age of the baby grows, jaundice can gradually subside and has little effect on the baby’s growth and development, so there is no need to worry too much. If the jaundice does not decrease after stopping breastfeeding, or if it gets worse, you should go back to the hospital for further examination.