Question
My baby is 9 days old and is being breastfed exclusively. Lately, the baby’s face has turned yellow, even the eyes. I would like to inquire if newborn jaundice is related to breastfeeding?
Answer
Newborn jaundice comes in two types: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice usually disappears within two days after birth. Some newborns may also develop jaundice due to breastfeeding. Generally, the jaundice will disappear within two weeks after stopping breastfeeding. However, if the jaundice worsens gradually, it may be caused by bacterial or viral infections or biliary atresia. Therefore, blood routine checks, C-reactive protein tests, etiological identification, and abdominal color Doppler ultrasound should be conducted to determine the cause.