Patient's question:
My baby is now 10 days old. From the time of birth until we were discharged from the hospital, his jaundice levels were not high. However, a few days after discharge, I noticed that his face, except for his eyes, had turned yellow. When I went to the hospital, the doctor prescribed some medication for him to take at home. I’m worried that something might be wrong with him. How should high jaundice in newborns be treated?Doctor's answer:
Generally, newborns begin to show jaundice again 2 to 3 days after birth. If the jaundice appears later, it is likely breast milk jaundice. Typically, breast milk jaundice rises more slowly each day and often appears as a yellowish hue with a hint of red. The baby is usually in good condition, able to eat, play, and sleep. If the highest level does not exceed 12.9 milligrams per deciliter, it is recommended to monitor closely, as breast milk jaundice is generally well-prognosed in most cases.