Question
How should I handle newborn jaundice that reappears after 20 days?
Answer
Based on the current symptoms, this may be related to breast milk jaundice. Breastfed infants typically develop jaundice 4 to 7 days after birth, with the peak (serum bilirubin levels exceeding 256.6 to 342.0μmol/L) occurring between 2 to 4 weeks. Generally, there are no signs of hemolysis or anemia. Jaundice usually lasts for 3 to 4 weeks and gradually subsides in the second month, with some cases taking up to 10 weeks to completely disappear. If breastfeeding is stopped for 3 to 4 days, jaundice will significantly decrease, with bilirubin levels dropping by over 50%. Even if breastfeeding is resumed, jaundice may not reappear, and if it does, it will not reach the previous level. Therefore, if there is only a slight yellowing around the child’s eyes, it can be observed without undue concern.