Jaundice

It results from a babies inability to break down red blood cells efficiently. In utero (mommies tummy) the placenta and mommy do all the work. After birth, it is up to the baby. And some babies simply do not break down the red blood cells as quickly as needed and thus leaving extras (bilirubin) floating around.

Some factors that contribute to developing hyperbilirubinemia are:

• blood type incompatability
• cephalohematoma (head bruise)or other birth bruising
• trauma
• infection
• prematurity
• heredity: east asian descent
• other rare birth anomolies

Bilirubin is monitored by blood labs (heel stick) or transcutaneous (skin monitor). These tests are routinely checked at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Then follow up labs are performed if treatement was initiated during the first few days or if levels were borderline at discharge from the hosptial.

For most babies, with mild hyperbilirubinemia, it goes untreated and will resolve on its own in 1-2 weeks. Higher bilirubin levels must be treated. If untreated it can result in brain damage.

The treatment options differs by hospital. But there are 2 main options:
1. Phototherapy: blue lights. This can be done with an overhead lamp or with a bili blanket wrapped around the infant. Babies come out from the bili blanket or lamp only for feedings and diaper changes.

Bilirubin is expelled through the skin and through urine/stool output. Thus the lights/feedings.

Signs/Symptoms are yellowing of skin or eyes AND sleepy babies who do not self rouse to feed or fall asleep at the breast often.

This is one of those subjects I can surely say "been there done that" with my own kids.

Click here to read my story of hyperbilirubinemia

Want more information about infant illnesses and what to expect? Here is a great book for you:

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