A Blog For Mums
As a mum who’s been through it twice, I know how worrying it can be to see your precious newborn turn a shade of yellow. But I’m here to tell you that in most cases, there’s no need to panic.
Jaundice in newborns is incredibly common and usually harmless. In this post, I’ll share my experiences and what I’ve learned about this condition to help put your mind at ease.
When I first noticed my eldest’s skin taking on a yellowish tinge, I was naturally concerned. But our midwife quickly explained that this was jaundice, a condition that affects many newborns.
Jaundice occurs when there’s a build-up of a substance called bilirubin in the blood. This causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to take on a yellow hue. It’s most noticeable on the face and chest, but can spread to other parts of the body.
Believe it or not, jaundice affects about 6 out of 10 newborns. This number rises to 8 out of 10 for premature babies. So if your little one develops jaundice, you’re certainly not alone.
In most cases, jaundice shows up around the second or third day after birth. This was true for both of my children. However, it’s worth noting that jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life could indicate a more serious underlying condition and should be checked immediately.
When my second child was born, I felt more prepared to spot the signs of jaundice. Here’s what to look out for:
It’s important to note that jaundice can be trickier to spot in babies with darker skin. In these cases, it’s often easier to see the yellowing on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. You can also gently press on the tip of your baby’s nose or forehead – if there’s yellowing, it should be more visible when you release the pressure.
Understanding why jaundice occurs helped me feel more at ease when my babies developed it. Here’s the science behind it:
During my research, I learned that there are actually different types of jaundice. The most common type is called physiological jaundice, which is what both my children had. This type usually appears around day two or three and clears up by itself within two weeks.
Other types of jaundice include:
While jaundice is common, some babies are more likely to develop it than others. Risk factors include:
It’s worth noting that while breastfeeding can increase the likelihood of jaundice, the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh this risk. Don’t let this deter you from breastfeeding if that’s your preference, nature usually knows best.
When my first child developed jaundice, I was reassured by how thorough the diagnosis process was. Here’s what you can expect:
Remember, your baby will be checked for signs of jaundice within 72 hours of birth as part of their newborn physical examination. After this, it’s technically up to you to keep an eye out for any signs and report them to your midwife or health visitor, although in reality, they should spot it when they come to record your baby’s weight and do other checks in the first few weeks.
While jaundice is usually harmless, it’s important contact your midwife, health visitor, or GP immediately if:
In most cases, newborn jaundice doesn’t require any treatment and will clear up on its own within two weeks. This was the case with both of my children, which was a huge relief!
However, if your baby’s bilirubin levels are very high, treatment may be necessary to prevent complications. The main treatments are:
It’s natural to worry about long-term effects, but I was relieved to learn that in the vast majority of cases, jaundice has no lasting impact. Most babies recover completely with no ill effects.
However, in very rare cases, if extremely high levels of bilirubin are left untreated, it can lead to a condition called kernicterus. This can cause brain damage, but it’s important to stress that this is extremely rare in the UK due to routine screening and prompt treatment when necessary.
I want to reassure you that in most cases, jaundice nothing to lose sleep over (you’ll be losing enough sleep as it is with a newborn!). Jaundice is incredibly common, usually harmless, and in most cases, resolves on its own.
Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you. They’ve seen countless cases of jaundice and are well-equipped to monitor and treat it if necessary. Trust in their expertise, but also in your own instincts as a parent.
Seeing your baby turn yellow can be alarming, but armed with knowledge and support, you’ll get through this phase. Before you know it, your little one’s natural colour will return, and this will just be another story in your parenting journey.
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