Question
My baby developed neonatal jaundice after about ten days of birth. The doctor diagnosed it as physiological jaundice, and the condition is not severe. How should parents care for their baby at home?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice can be classified into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice usually appears within two to three days after birth, with the skin showing jaundice which gradually fades away within seven to ten days. The bilirubin level is not high, and no special treatment is required. However, pathological jaundice may require phototherapy, anti-infection treatment, or even blood transfusion. During phototherapy, the baby’s eyes and genitals should be covered to prevent light damage, and adequate hydration should be maintained.