Question
I would like to ask what causes neonatal jaundice?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is caused by the metabolic characteristics of bilirubin in newborns, which appear after birth. The rapid breakdown of red blood cells produces an excess of bilirubin, and newborns have lower liver enzyme activity, which cannot clear the excess bilirubin. Neonatal jaundice primarily occurs in breastfed babies, and the chemicals and hormones in breast milk are also one of the causes of jaundice. However, this type of jaundice is mostly physiological and harmless to newborns, and mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding.