Question
The newborn’s jaundice has been ongoing for 33 days and has not subsided. The bilirubin level was measured at 17 on the fourth day after birth, and the hospital recommended hospitalization for blue light therapy. After three days of treatment, the level dropped to 11, and then the baby was discharged. No special treatment was performed for three days after discharge, and breastfeeding continued.
Answer
Based on the current symptoms, this is likely breastfeeding jaundice. Breastfed infants may develop jaundice between 4-7 days after birth and reach its peak in 2-4 weeks. Typically, the infants are in good condition with no signs of hemolysis or anemia. Jaundice usually lasts for 3-4 weeks, gradually fading in the second month, with a few cases possibly extending to 10 weeks. If breastfeeding is temporarily stopped for 3-4 days during the jaundice period, the jaundice usually decreases significantly, with a bilirubin level drop of ≥50%. If breastfeeding continues, the jaundice may not recur again…