What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Breastfeeding and Jaundice
• Not-Enough-Breastmilk Jaundice
• Transient Familial Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

What is Breastfeeding Jaundice? (Definition/Background Information)

• There are several types of jaundice that affect a newborn child
• Breastfeeding Jaundice is a common disorder affecting healthy infants shortly after birth. It is caused by a lack of breastfeeding, or due to the newborn getting insufficient breast milk. Yellowing of the eyes and skin is noticed
• It is rarely severe or serious, and the condition is easily managed. However, preterm, low-birth weight infants, or babies who suffer other illnesses, may have a risk of developing certain medical complications

Who gets Breastfeeding Jaundice? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The onset of Breastfeeding Jaundice is normally within 7 days after birth
• Both male and female babies are equally affected

What are the Risk Factors for Breastfeeding Jaundice? (Predisposing Factors)

• Any reason that causes a reduced or delayed milk production in the mother (during the first week after birth of the child), is a risk factor
• Other risk factors include the baby not feeding well due to bad health conditions, or because of a poor feeding technique; all occurring in the initial few weeks after birth

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Breastfeeding Jaundice? (Etiology)

• Normally, the red blood cells that get continuously discarded are processed by the liver, resulting in the formation of a yellowish pigment bilirubin. Under normal conditions, this bilirubin pigment is excreted out of the body system
• However, sometimes a reduced intake of breast milk prevents the removal of bilirubin from the body, and it builds up in the body. This condition is called Breastfeeding Jaundice

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breastfeeding Jaundice?

Signs and symptoms of Breastfeeding Jaundice are:

• Gradual yellowing of eyes and skin (face) initially, which then slowly spreads to the entire body. Even though the skin appears yellow, the skin tone and vitality, is not lost
• Baby may be sleepy or tired, due to a lack of breast milk. This lack of nutrition may result in some weight loss

How is Breastfeeding Jaundice Diagnosed?

There are several types of baby jaundice. Thus, an accurate evaluation and assessment is important. Diagnostic tests for detecting Breastfeeding Jaundice of the newborn include:

• Physical exam with evaluation of medical history. An evaluation of both the child and mother is necessary
• Blood analysis: Total blood count, peripheral blood smear test, blood typing, evaluation of serum bilirubin amount, count of old RBCs (reticulocytes), check for certain protein levels, platelet count
• Urine test and culture
• A differential diagnosis should be considered to eliminate other jaundice types

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Breastfeeding Jaundice?

Breastfeeding Jaundice complications may develop, especially if the infant is born preterm, is severely malnourished, or does not get sufficient breast milk for a long period, or if the correct treatment is not administered quickly. These may include:

• Liver, other organs being affected
• Serious brain damage causing neurological abnormalities due to severe state of jaundice. This is  known as kernicterus
• Sepsis; due to underlying infections

How is Breastfeeding Jaundice Treated?

The treatment measures recommended for Breastfeeding Jaundice are based on certain parameters of the infant, which include serum bilirubin level (and its rate of increase), baby’s age (in days), condition at birth, and baby weight.

• If bilirubin levels are low, then a healthy infant may be monitored closely, until the child’s condition improves. No specific treatment is necessary
• Increasing breastfeeding incidences may decrease bilirubin levels. Thus, regular and frequent feeding is advised. Education about proper breastfeeding techniques may help in ensuring that the baby suckles well. The latching technique should be corrected, if required. Both these treatment steps alone are enough for the baby to regain its health, and be cured of any jaundice, in most cases
• Breast milk may be supplemented by formulaic preparations, or through intravenous fluid administration. However, both these measures are prescribed, only when it is really necessary
• Phototherapy (or light treatment) is used to help the body break-down bilirubin. The baby’s skin is exposed to a special blue light (light of a particular wavelength) for certain periods of time
• A blood transfusion may be required to remove and replace the bilirubin-laden blood, with fresh blood, in severe cases of jaundice
• In case the breast milk production is delayed, or its quantity is less, then the mother is also treated accordingly. This is done after determining the cause of decreased breast milk production

How can Breastfeeding Jaundice be Prevented?

• Breastfeeding Jaundice is a common disorder that manifests itself shortly after birth; it cannot be prevented
• It is not a serious condition, and an increased nursing (breastfeeding) of the infant can help the child speedily recover, from the illness

What is the Prognosis of Breastfeeding Jaundice? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Breastfeeding Jaundice has an excellent prognosis, in a majority of the cases
• Some babies with underlying medical conditions may require additional treatment measures, if any complications develop

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Breastfeeding Jaundice:

• There are basically 3 types of jaundice that affect the newborn babies: Physiologic Jaundice, Breast Milk Jaundice, and Breastfeeding Jaundice
• It has to be ensured that the condition of the baby is rightly assessed and diagnosed; in order to correlate it with the right treatment mode