Most newborns with jaundice can continue breastfeeding. Decisions about supplementation of a jaundiced newborn should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Jaundice, a sign of elevated bilirubin levels, occurs in 60% of term and 80% of preterm newborns during the first week of life. Bilirubin, a product from the normal breakdown of red blood cells, is elevated in newborns for several reasons:
- Newborns have a higher rate of bilirubin production due to the shorter lifespan of red blood cells and higher red blood cell concentration compared to adults.
- Newborns have immature liver function, leading to slower metabolism of bilirubin.
- Newborns may have a delay in passage of meconium, leading to increased reabsorption of bilirubin in the intestines. In most newborns, jaundice is termed “physiologic jaundice” and is considered harmless.
What is the difference between breastfeeding jaundice and breast milk jaundice?
There are different types of jaundice and some require treatment while others do not.
Breastfeeding jaundice most often occurs in the first week of life when breastfeeding is being established. Newborns may not receive optimal milk intake, which leads to elevated bilirubin levels due to increased reabsorption of bilirubin in the intestines. Inadequate milk intake also delays the passage of meconium, which contains large amounts of bilirubin that is then transferred into the infant’s circulation. In most cases breastfeeding can, and should, continue. More feedings can reduce the risk of jaundice.
Breast milk jaundice most often occurs in the second or later weeks of life and can continue for several weeks. While the exact mechanism leading to breast milk jaundice is unknown, it is believed that substances in the mother’s milk inhibit the ability of the infant’s liver to process bilirubin. Phototherapy is a common treatment and other therapeutic options include temporary supplementation with donor human milk or infant formula, and rarely, temporary interruption of breastfeeding.
Should a mother continue breastfeeding if her child has jaundice?
Supplementation can include pasteurized donor human milk, infant formula, or other breast milk substitutes (e.g., glucose water).
Usually. Most newborns with jaundice can continue breastfeeding. More frequent breastfeeding can improve the mother’s milk supply and, in turn, improve caloric intake and hydration of the infant, thus reducing the elevated bilirubin. In rare cases, some infants may benefit from a temporary cessation (24-48 hours) of breastfeeding with replacement feeding to help aid in the diagnosis of breast milk jaundice. If temporary breastfeeding cessation is required, it is critical to help mothers maintain their milk production during this time. Further guidance is outlined in the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s clinical protocols on supplementationExternal and jaundiceExternal.
Should a jaundiced breastfed infant be supplemented?
Sometimes. Jaundice is one of the possible indications for supplementation in healthy, term infants as outlined in the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s clinical protocols on supplementationExternal and jaundiceExternal. Any decisions about supplementation of a jaundiced newborn should be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant 35 or More Weeks of GestationExternal – American Academy of Pediatrics’ Clinical Practice Guideline
- Clinical Protocol #22: Guidelines for Management of Jaundice in the Breastfeeding Infant Equal to or Greater Than 35 Weeks’ GestationExternal – Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
- Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate, Revised 2017External – Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
- Jaundice & Kernicterus – CDC’s National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
- Newborn JaundiceExternal – National Library of Medicine
- Breast Milk JaundiceExternal – National Library of Medicine