#AskTheExpert ..hlw doctor.my baby got jaundice after birth,as my blood group o positive & his B positive..his billirubin level was 15.08 at 10th days..and one day phototherapy was given by physician advice....now at 14th days his billirubin level is 12..& dr said no need to worry noe only keep on exclusive breast feeding & put him in morning sunlight,he will be improve gradually...should i be worry now?when will his yellowish skin improve?

Question

#AskTheExpert ..hlw doctor.my baby got jaundice after birth,as my blood group o positive & his B positive..his billirubin level was 15.08 at 10th days..and one day phototherapy was given by physician advice....now at 14th days his billirubin level is 12..& dr said no need to worry noe only keep on exclusive breast feeding & put him in  morning  sunlight,he will be improve gradually...should i be worry now?when will his yellowish skin improve?

Accepted Answer

Newborn jaundice is quite common and usually resolves on its own without treatment. However, in some cases, treatment may be necessary. Here are some steps and options for managing jaundice in newborns:

### Home Management:
1. **Frequent Feeding**: Ensure your baby is feeding well. Frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding helps increase bowel movements, which helps the baby expel bilirubin.
2. **Sunlight Exposure**: Place your baby in indirect sunlight for a few minutes several times a day. Ensure that the baby is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause sunburn.

### Medical Treatment:
1. **Phototherapy**: This is the most common treatment for newborn jaundice. Special lights (not UV light) are used to change the bilirubin in the baby's skin into a form that can be more easily excreted. This can be done in the hospital or at home with a special blanket or pad.
2. **Exchange Transfusion**: In severe cases, where bilirubin levels are very high, an exchange transfusion may be needed. This procedure involves replacing the baby’s blood with fresh donor blood to quickly lower bilirubin levels.

### Monitoring and When to Seek Medical Attention:
- **Regular Check-ups**: Ensure your baby has regular check-ups with the pediatrician to monitor bilirubin levels.
- **Watch for Symptoms**: If your baby appears very yellow (especially in the eyes and limbs), is difficult to wake, feeds poorly, or is excessively fussy or lethargic, contact your pediatrician immediately.
- **Duration**: Mild jaundice typically resolves within 1-2 weeks. However, if jaundice persists beyond two weeks, further evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary.

### Key Points to Remember:
- **Normal Process**: Jaundice is often a normal physiological process in newborns, especially those who are breastfed or premature.
- **Prevention and Care**: Early and frequent feeding can help prevent or reduce the severity of jaundice.
- **Medical Guidance**: Always follow your pediatrician’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your baby’s jaundice is resolving appropriately.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s jaundice or if it appears to be worsening, seek medical advice promptly. Early intervention can help prevent complications associated with high levels of bilirubin.