Question
My newborn has had jaundice for 12 days, with a yellowish face and slightly yellow soles. The baby can sleep for three to four hours before waking up to drink milk, and during feeding, the baby can suck strongly. Occasionally, the baby will spit up a little. How can parents differentiate between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice? What are the feeding suggestions?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice is divided into two types: physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is related to the baby’s underdeveloped liver and usually resolves on its own. Pathological jaundice, on the other hand, is caused by liver problems, bile metabolism disorders, or hemolytic diseases and often requires treatment. I cannot provide specific advice, but I suggest that parents take the baby to the hospital for a detailed examination. The baby’s current jaundice is mild, and it is highly possible that it is physiological jaundice.