'Breast milk jaundice' is a term given to a common type of mild jaundice that becomes persistent, or prolonged, for up to 6 to 12 weeks after the baby is born. The baby appears slightly yellow, but is well and healthy. Breast milk jaundice does not require any treatment because the levels of bilirubin are very low.
Breast milk jaundice only relates to babies being breastfed (not surprisingly!) and the exact causes are not clear, although up to 30% of breastfed babies can have breast milk jaundice to some degree. It is thought that it may occur due to a combination of factors including:
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An enzyme that some mothers have in their breast milk that can increase the reabsorption of bilirubin from the baby's bowel motions. |
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The breast milk possibly inhibiting the efficient processing of bilirubin in the liver. |
Breast milk jaundice can occur for one baby in a family, but not necessarily recur in their sibling.
NOTE: Breast milk jaundice is harmless and should
NEVER be a reason to stop breastfeeding. In the past, mothers were often asked to stop breastfeeding for 24 to 48 hours and place their baby on formula. The only advantage of doing this is that it may reassure the caregiver that it is indeed only breast milk jaundice. If you are advised to do this, and are not happy about it, you may wish to seek a second opinion.
Prolonged, or persistent, jaundice can occasionally be due to other causes that are 'non-physiological' or due to a health disorder or illness in the baby. Non-physiological jaundice is usually much more severe than breast milk jaundice, and usually requires treatment. The baby may also have other signs such as appearing unwell, or having excessively dark urine and very pale, nearly white / cream bowel motions.