Question
A newborn born a month ago was diagnosed with a bilirubin level above 14 on the fourth day after birth. After a few days of treatment with Barley Malt Extract Granules, the jaundice symptoms subsided, and medication was discontinued. How should one appropriately handle newborn jaundice that is slightly elevated?
Answer
The normal range for newborn bilirubin levels is: appearing within 2 to 5 days after birth, with full-term infants expected to clear up within 14 days, and preterm infants within 4 weeks. For serum bilirubin levels, full-term infants should be below 205 mmol/l, and preterm infants below 257 mmol/l. If breastfeeding jaundice is suspected, one may temporarily stop breastfeeding for a few days and switch to formula milk, and consider giving the Barley Malt Extract Oral Solution. Additionally, providing the newborn with a moderate amount of sugar water or glucose water can also help alleviate jaundice.