Question
My child is 18 days old and their face is still yellow, although it’s fading day by day, but the rate of fading is very slow. Is this related to breastfeeding? The child finds it very difficult to suckle, and will it cause the child’s mouth to deform if this continues?
Answer
Hello, physiological jaundice in newborns usually begins three days after birth, reaches its peak within a week, and subsides within three weeks. Therefore, it is not yet certain if your child has pathological jaundice. Usually, it can be observed. If the yellowing gradually diminishes, there should be no problem. After other pathological jaundices, breastfeeding-related jaundice needs to be ruled out. If you feel that your child is still very yellow, you can check the child’s bilirubin levels. If bilirubin levels are high, active treatment should be pursued regardless of the cause of the jaundice. If bilirubin levels are not very high, continue to observe or give the child some probiotics and other medications to try. The mother’s nipple generally does not cause oral deformation. This is my advice on newborn jaundice issues; I hope it helps you. Wishing you and your child good health!