
Several different things can cause what's called hemolytic disease of the newborn. This rare but serious type of jaundice begins within the first 24 hours after birth. While breastfeeding is still recommended for newborns who have jaundice, certain babies with this type of jaundice may require supplementing with pumped breast milk or formula in a bottle. This type of jaundice occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of newborns due to low breast milk and calorie intake while a new mom and baby are getting acclimated to breastfeeding. Jaundice due to breastfeeding problems or malnutrition A case can last anywhere from three to 12 weeks. It's rarely harmful, but still requires a doctor's evaluation in case some other cause is in play. Though relatively rare, about 10 percent of breastfed babies develop jaundice when a protein in breast milk blocks the liver's processing of bilirubin, causing elevated levels. Breast milk jaundice due to interference with liver function This type of jaundice is very common in preemies, as their livers may not be fully developed. Some experts call this type of jaundice a "normal" response in the first few days of life it usually disappears within a week or two. Trusted Source American Academy of Pediatrics Jaundice in Newborns: Parent FAQs See All Sources Why is it so common? A newborn's liver needs a little extra time to mature and get rid of the bilirubin in her body. This is the most common type of jaundice, affecting 50 percent of all newborns. There are various causes for newborn jaundice depending on type:Ĭerebral Palsy Physiologic jaundice due to an underdeveloped liver
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If your baby has jaundice, you'll be able to notice the yellow tinge of her skin by gently pressing on her forehead or chest and watching the color return. Since a newborn's liver is underdeveloped, the bilirubin often doesn't get eliminated as efficiently, which can cause the skin, and sometimes the whites of the eyes, to turn yellow. Bilirubin is an substance that's produced in the blood when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Jaundice in a newborn baby is caused by excess levels of bilirubin, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. It usually lasts a week to 10 days, sometimes longer for premature babies. Jaundice usually goes away on its own (or sometimes with mild treatment) with no ill effects. Most cases show up two to three days after birth and are caught by these in-hospital screens, while others can appear later. Trusted Source American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline Revision: Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of Gestation See All Sources

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all newborn babies have their bilirubin levels measured before leaving the hospital, with follow-up appointments scheduled as necessary based on the measured levels, their gestational age and other factors.
