Question
Is drinking Guoteng tea effective for a baby with high jaundice? Should I stop breastfeeding if the baby’s jaundice is high at the 9th day, as it was normal at birth?
Answer
Based on your description, it is initially considered to be pathological jaundice, and drinking that tea is not effective. Besides, it is not recommended for such a young child to drink randomly, as children are not supposed to drink tea because their digestive systems are not yet mature. It is suggested to provide intravenous infusion and blue light therapy to reduce jaundice. Treatment must be proactive; otherwise, if the condition persists for a long time, it may lead to nuclear jaundice affecting the development of the nervous system. Neonatal jaundice usually appears within 2 to 3 days after birth, reaches its peak between 4 to 6 days, and subsides between 7 to 10 days. The baby should have good spirits and appetite without fever, vomiting, or other adverse reactions. If the jaundice persists for a long time and recurs, and the child’s general condition is poor, they should seek medical consultation at a hospital.