Newborn Jaundice

Your Kaiser Permanente Care Instructions

Many newborn babies have a yellow tint to their skin and the whites of their eyes. This is called jaundice. While you are pregnant, your liver gets rid of a substance called bilirubin for your baby. Once your baby is born, his or her liver must take over this job. However, many newborns cannot get rid of bilirubin as fast as they make it, and it can build up, causing jaundice.

Jaundice usually goes away on its own within a week and does not need treatment. However, if you are nursing, it may be normal for your baby to have very mild jaundice throughout breast-feeding.

In rare cases, jaundice gets worse and can cause brain damage. That is why it is important to call your doctor if you notice signs that jaundice is getting worse. Your doctor or other clinician can treat your baby to get rid of the extra bilirubin. You may be able to treat your baby at home with a special type of light called phototherapy.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Watch your newborn for signs that jaundice is getting worse.
• Undress your baby and look at his or her skin closely twice a day. For dark-skinned babies, look at the white part of the eyes to check for jaundice.
• If you think that your baby's skin is getting more yellow, call your doctor or other clinician.
• If your baby is too sleepy to eat at least every 4 hours or cannot stay awake to nurse for more than a few minutes, call your doctor or other clinician.
• Breast-feed your baby frequently (about 8 to 10 times or more in a 24-hour period). Extra fluids will help your baby's liver get rid of the extra bilirubin. #blist If you are feeding your baby from a bottle, stay on your schedule (usually about 6 to 10 feedings every 24 hours). It is very important to wake your baby up for feedings at least every 4 hours.
• If you are using phototherapy to treat your baby at home, be sure that your doctor or other clinician shows you how to use all the equipment.
• Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment. Be sure to make any suggested appointments and go to all scheduled visits. Watch for signs that your child is not getting better as expected, and call your doctor or other clinician if you have concerns.

When should you call Kaiser Permanente?

• Your baby's yellow tint gets brighter or deeper.
• Your baby seems very sleepy, is not eating or nursing well, or does not act normally.
• Your baby does not pass 1 to 2 stools or wet 3 diapers in 24 hours, or your baby shows signs of dehydration, such as strong-smelling urine with a dark yellow color.
• Your baby does not get better as expected.
• Your baby has any new symptoms, especially a fever.
• You have questions or concerns.
• How can you learn more about newborn jaundice? Log on: KP.org. Look in the Pregnancy & New Baby Care featured health topic.

Care Instructions adapted by Kaiser Permanente from Healthwise, Incorporated © 2005. All rights reserved.