[Mini Birth Lesson] Jaundice in Newborns

Many babies develop jaundice in the early days after birth. It is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. A baby with jaundice develops a yellow tinge to their their skin or eyes.

In newborns, jaundice will most likely clear up on its own with regular feeds (every 2-3 hours). If your baby seems extra tired, isn’t feeding well or develops a fever please call your doctor or midwife.

Treatment for jaundice usually includes phototherapy where the baby can be put under a blue light to help with the breakdown of bilirubin. Sunlight also helps with this process, so for mild jaundice, babies can be brought near a well-lit window to receive filtered sunshine on their skin for  small periods of time.