Question
My infant turned one month old and has jaundice. What should the doctor do? How common is this? What causes it? What should I be mindful of in the future? Thank you. How was the treatment in the past and what were the results?
Answer
Jaundice in an infant at one month of age may be caused by breast milk jaundice, which usually appears shortly after starting breast milk feeding but without other systemic symptoms. Jaundice typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks and gradually fades by the second month, though in some cases it can persist until 10 weeks. If breast milk is withheld for 3 to 4 days during jaundice, the condition often improves. If breast milk is resumed, jaundice may not reappear. It is also possible to take acidophilus tablets to regulate gastrointestinal flora, but medications should be taken at least half an hour apart. During treatment, it is important to keep the infant warm, increase body heat, and prevent infections through supportive therapy to prevent jaundice from worsening.