Question
A newborn exhibited symptoms of jaundice, with yellowing of the eyes and face, and had consulted at Harbin Children’s Hospital.
Answer
Certain substances in breast milk may affect the neonate’s bilirubin metabolism, leading to an extended duration of jaundice. In such cases, jaundice may persist for 1 to 3 months, but the baby’s growth and development remain normal. If breast milk is withheld for 48 hours, the blood bilirubin level typically decreases; however, upon resuming breastfeeding, the bilirubin level rises again but does not reach the original level.