The Truth About Breastfeeding And Jaundice: Myths Vs. Facts

If you’re a new parent, chances are you’ve heard of jaundice. Jaundice is a condition that can occur in newborn babies and is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. While jaundice is usually harmless and will go away on its own, in some rare cases, it can be more serious.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about breastfeeding and jaundice. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the truth about breastfeeding and jaundice: myths vs. facts. Read on to learn more.

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is a condition that can occur in newborn babies and is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice happens when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down.

While jaundice is usually harmless and will go away on its own, in some rare cases, it can be more serious. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to brain damage.

What causes jaundice?

There are a variety of things that can cause jaundice. In most cases, jaundice is caused by physiological factors such as:

-An immature liver: New born babies have an immature liver that is not able to effectively process bilirubin.

-Excess bilirubin: Newborn babies have a higher rate of red blood cell turnover, which can lead to an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

-Breast milk: Breast milk can actually increase the level of bilirubin in the blood because it contains a substance that inhibits the liver’s ability to process bilirubin.

How is jaundice treated?

Jaundice is usually treated with phototherapy, which involves exposing the baby to special lights that help break down bilirubin in the blood. In some cases, jaundice may also be treated with blood transfusions.

Can jaundice be prevented?

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent jaundice:

-Make sure your baby is getting enough breast milk: It’s important for babies to get enough breast milk because it helps the liver function properly. Make sure you’re feeding your baby on demand and getting help from a lactation consultant if you need it.

-Avoid using formula: Formula can actually increase the level of bilirubin in the blood, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. If you must use formula, talk to your doctor about which type is best for your baby.

-Be aware of the signs and symptoms of jaundice: If you notice that your baby’s skin or eyes are yellowing, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

The Truth About Breastfeeding And Jaundice: Myths Vs. Facts

Here are some myths about jaundice that you shouldn’t believe:

-Myth 1: Jaundice is only caused by breastfeeding.

This is not true! While breastfeeding can increase the level of bilirubin in the blood, there are other factors that can contribute to jaundice such as an immature liver or an increased turnover of red blood cells.

-Myth 2: You should stop breastfeeding if your baby has jaundice.

This is not true! In most cases, jaundice will go away on its own and stopping breastfeeding will not help.

In fact, stopping breastfeeding can actually make the situation worse because it can lead to dehydration and a decline in breast milk production.

If your baby has jaundice, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment.

-Myth 3: Jaundice is a sign that something is wrong with your baby.

This is not true! While jaundice can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, in most cases, it is harmless and will go away on its own. If you’re concerned about your baby’s jaundice, talk to your doctor.

If you have any concerns about jaundice or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor.

The bottom line

Jaundice is a condition that can occur in newborn babies and is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice happens when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down.

While jaundice is usually harmless and will go away on its own, in some rare cases, it can be more serious. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to brain damage.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there about breastfeeding and jaundice. In this blog post, we’ve explored the truth about breastfeeding and jaundice: myths vs. facts.

If you’re a new parent, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of jaundice and to contact your doctor right away if you notice them. You should also make sure your baby is getting enough breast milk and avoid using formula if possible.

By following these tips, you can help prevent jaundice and ensure that your baby stays healthy.