Patient's question:
Neonatal jaundice, hospitalized for about 20 days after birth, during which the jaundice had subsided. After returning home and breastfeeding for a few days, the jaundice reappeared. The skin test was around 14. After taking medicine for a week, the follow-up skin test was around 8. Now, a week has passed, and the child's outer corner of the eye is slightly yellow. Should we be concerned? Seeking advice.Doctor's answer:
Based on the current symptoms, this may be related to breast milk jaundice. Infants who are breastfed may develop jaundice 4 to 7 days after birth, reaching a peak between 2 to 4 weeks (serum bilirubin levels can exceed 256.6 to 342.0 μmol/L). They are generally in good condition, with no signs of hemolysis or anemia. The jaundice typically lasts for 3 to 4 weeks, gradually fading away in the second month, though in some cases it may persist until the tenth week. If breastfeeding is stopped for 3 to 4 days during the jaundice period, the jaundice will significantly improve, with bilirubin levels dropping by at least 50%. If breastfeeding resumes afterward, the jaundice may not reappear, or if it does, it will not reach the previous severity.