Question
Doctor, my friend’s baby started showing jaundice on the second day after birth, with a current jaundice level of 330. Is this situation serious? The baby is now 12 days old.
Answer
Mild neonatal jaundice usually resolves itself within 2-3 days after birth, while severe jaundice may last for more than a week. It’s important to keep the baby well-warmed, feed them on time to ensure adequate water and calorie intake, and promptly clear the meconium to help reduce the severity of jaundice. If the baby’s jaundice persists for a month, it’s advisable to visit a local hospital for a timely check-up to determine the cause of the jaundice. If it’s not due to liver and gallbladder issues, it might be breastmilk jaundice. When administering medication, pay attention to the baby’s stool condition; if you notice an increase in stool water content or redness and swelling around the anus, promptly reduce or stop the use of medication. Additionally, in daily life, ensure the baby stays warm, drinks plenty of water, and gets appropriate sun exposure.