Question
The newborn developed jaundice 4 days after birth and underwent a blood test at 6 days old, but has not been hospitalized. The baby is now 12 days old and has been taking jaundice-relieving medication during this period. The parents are worried about the severity of the baby’s jaundice and are seeking advice on how to handle the situation.
Answer
The severity of newborn jaundice varies from individual to individual. Generally, jaundice may take 20 to 30 days to fade. Based on the test results you provided, the condition seems to be not severe. Have you considered blue light therapy? For a 12-day-old infant who is breastfed, the possibility of breastfeeding jaundice should be considered. It is recommended to increase fluid intake and use arbutin to alleviate the symptoms of jaundice. Rest assured, if the hospital has not raised any concerns, it is advised to continue monitoring and follow medical instructions.