It is normal for infants to develop jaundice within the first day after birth. It can be treated with phototherapy

About Jaundice

Jaundice is common in newborns but may require treatment with phototherapy in some cases. 80% of all newborns develop jaundice within the first days.

Jaundice is a yellowish tint to the skin, starting in the face and spreading to the rest of the body. The baby's eyes may also become yellow.

Jaundice can make your baby more tired, which can be observed through decreased interest in breastfeeding, failure to wake for feedings, or difficulty waking up.

Causes of Jaundice

A newborn's liver may struggle to break down bilirubin, which occurs in the days following birth. Bilirubin is a waste product in the blood. When the liver cannot excrete bilirubin quickly enough, it accumulates in the blood and appears as a yellowish tint to the skin. 

Examination and Treatment

Examination for Jaundice

We examine the baby to assess the extent of yellow coloring on the body. If necessary, we measure the level of bilirubin using a device that emits light onto the skin. The baby cannot feel the measurement. In some cases, we also take a blood sample to determine if the baby has excessive bilirubin in the blood. We take the blood sample by pricking the heel. It's helpful for the baby to breastfeed while we take the blood sample.

Consequences of Untreated Jaundice

If jaundice with very high levels of bilirubin is left untreated, the baby may, in rare cases, risk brain damage. Therefore, the baby should be examined in the pediatric department if signs of severe jaundice are present.

Treatment with Phototherapy

If the level of bilirubin is too high, we treat the baby with phototherapy. Light breaks down bilirubin, making it soluble and allowing it to be excreted in urine and feces.

We assess which type of phototherapy is best for the baby. The duration of phototherapy varies individually, but it is usually at least 24 hours. In some cases, the baby may need multiple sessions of phototherapy.

The baby typically lies on a phototherapy blanket and wears small, soft goggles. The baby should only wear a diaper so that the light can reach as much of the skin as possible. We're happy to assist with positioning the baby comfortably with the phototherapy blanket.

The longer the baby is in the blue light, the shorter and more effective the treatment. However, the baby can take a break from phototherapy for 30 minutes every 3 hours for feeding, diaper changes, and contact without extending the treatment time. Remove the goggles during the breaks.

When the baby is on the phototherapy blanket, you are encouraged to hold the baby against your skin or feed it with the blanket covering it. Cover the blanket with, for example, a cloth when sitting with the baby to protect your own eyes.

Good contact between parent and baby is important. Therefore, make sure you have eye contact several times a day.

During treatment, we monitor the decrease in bilirubin levels.

What You Need to Know

The baby should feed frequently

When a baby has jaundice, it needs to be fed more often, as it will help the baby eliminate bilirubin and increase the number of bowel movements. We recommend breastfeeding at least 8 times a day. Often, the baby will seek the breast and show signs of sucking 10-12 times a day. Offer the breast as soon as the baby shows signs of sucking.

The baby's stool may become thinner and darker during phototherapy. Together we will make a plan for the treatment and provide guidance on expressing milk if needed.

Symptoms You Should React to

Contact us if the baby:

• becomes more yellow
• doesn't indicate hunger for feedings
• becomes lethargic and drowsy
• has changes in breathing.

 If the baby becomes yellow-skinned after 1 week, contact the health visitor or the baby's own doctor. If the baby still has yellow skin 2 weeks after birth, contact the baby's own doctor. However, if the baby is born before week 37+0, this applies only when the baby is 3 weeks old. With a new blood test, the doctor can investigate if there may be other reasons for the baby's yellow skin.