Question
The baby has been primarily fed on breast milk with occasional supplementation of Mead Johnson’s Enfamil A+ infant formula. Recently, jaundice symptoms have appeared on the baby’s face and conjunctiva. After examination, the transcutaneous bilirubin test showed a jaundice level of 187 μmol/L, and the doctor diagnosed it as elevated, recommending temporary cessation of breastfeeding. During this period, the baby’s stool color has turned green. Is this situation normal?
Answer
When a newborn has high levels of jaundice, the stool color is typically yellow. The characteristics of physiological jaundice include jaundice mainly appearing on the face and neck, which gradually fades after 2 to 3 days and returns to normal skin color by the 5th to 6th day. In more severe cases of jaundice, it may persist for more than 1 week, especially in premature infants, which may last up to 4 weeks, and the stool color should remain yellow. Therefore, it is advisable for your child’s situation…