I’m sure we’ve all heard that newborns are prone to jaundice, but I’m sure some people are unfamiliar with breast milk jaundice. The reason is that not every mother uses breast milk, and with breast milk jaundice, it is often confused with physiological jaundice. A newborn baby suffering from breast milk jaundice causes Breast milk jaundice incidence is not low Breast milk jaundice incidence is actually not low, there are about 2%, and even beyond. So how do you explain the appearance of jaundice in babies who are breastfed? Research says the reason may be a problem with the newborn’s small intestine, due to its differential absorption of bilirubin. In fact, 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 is divided into two types of jaundice Breast milk jaundice can generally be divided into two types: early-onset and late-onset. Early-onset jaundice is similar to physiologic jaundice in newborns in that it appears 2-3 days after birth and is most pronounced on days 4-6, and then subsides within two weeks. There is a difference between breast milk jaundice and physiologic jaundice From clinical practice, the highest value of breast milk jaundice exceeds that of physiologic jaundice. Late onset occurs later, often immediately after physiologic jaundice, and may worsen after physiologic jaundice has diminished, 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, some up to 1-2 months, but can be distinguished from hepatitis by laboratory tests. What should I do if my newborn has breast milk jaundice? Depending on the situation, it is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after the appearance of breast milk jaundice, because breast milk jaundice usually does not appear more serious 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, and in order 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. As the baby grows older, the jaundice will gradually subside and will not have much effect on the baby’s growth and development. However, if jaundice worsens after stopping breastfeeding, it is better to go for a checkup as soon as possible!