Question
The baby is 35 days old, with a bilirubin level of around 10 points. Why does the baby still need to stop breastfeeding for a few days? What is the relationship between breastfeeding and jaundice? Will the baby have to stop breastfeeding if the jaundice persists?
Answer
Generally, any jaundice that appears after 30 days is considered pathological jaundice. After more than a month, the baby should no longer be yellowish. If there is still jaundice at this point, consider breastmilk jaundice. If other diseases are ruled out and the baby’s development is normal, it can be considered as breastmilk jaundice. Although this type of jaundice may not have a high bilirubin level, its long duration can affect vaccinations. Stopping breastfeeding can lead to quicker clearance of jaundice, while continuous breastfeeding may result in slower clearance.