Understanding and Managing Newborn Jaundice: A Guide for Singaporean Moms

Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects many babies, especially in the first week of life. For new moms in Singapore, understanding jaundice, its causes, symptoms, and management can help ease worries and ensure your newborn receives the best care. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about newborn jaundice, including when to seek medical advice and what treatments are available.

What Is Newborn Jaundice?

Newborn jaundice occurs when a baby’s skin and eyes turn yellow due to a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, the liver may not be fully developed to process and eliminate bilirubin efficiently, leading to its buildup.

Jaundice is common in newborns and typically appears between the second and fourth day of life. While it is usually harmless and resolves on its own, in some cases, it may require medical treatment. Don't worry, jaundice is not an indicator nor cause for concern for your baby's future health.

Types of Newborn Jaundice

There are several types of jaundice that can affect newborns:

1. Physiological Jaundice: The most common type, caused by the baby’s immature liver. It usually appears after the first 2-3 days and goes away within two weeks without treatment.

2. Breastfeeding Jaundice: Occurs in breastfed babies, often because the baby isn’t feeding well or is dehydrated. Ensuring frequent and adequate breastfeeding helps resolve this.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice: A rare type that may be caused by substances in breast milk interfering with the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. This type appears after the first week of life and can last longer but is usually harmless.

4. Pathological Jaundice: This more serious form may indicate underlying health issues, such as an infection, blood incompatibility between mom and baby, or liver problems. It requires immediate medical attention.

   
   

Who knew there were so many types of jaundice, right?

Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice

The primary symptom of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes, which usually starts on the baby’s face and then spreads down the body. Other symptoms to watch for include:

• Difficulty waking or extreme sleepiness

• Poor feeding or difficulty latching

• Dark urine or pale stools

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially within the first 24 hours of your baby’s life, consult your paediatrician right away.

Diagnosing Jaundice in Singapore

In Singapore, newborn jaundice is routinely monitored in the hospital after birth. The severity of jaundice is assessed through:

• Physical Examination: The doctor checks for yellowing of the skin and eyes.

• Bilirubin Test: A blood test to measure the level of bilirubin in your baby’s blood. This test helps determine whether treatment is necessary.

Most hospitals in Singapore will provide a thorough check-up before discharging your baby, but if jaundice appears later, your paediatrician can order a bilirubin test.

Managing Newborn Jaundice

In most cases, newborn jaundice is mild and resolves without intervention. However, there are steps you can take to help manage and reduce bilirubin levels:

1. Frequent Feeding: Ensure your baby is feeding every 2-3 hours. This helps flush out excess bilirubin through bowel movements. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, regular feedings are essential.

2. Phototherapy: If bilirubin levels are high, your paediatrician may recommend phototherapy. This treatment uses special blue light to break down bilirubin in your baby’s skin. Phototherapy is safe and effective and is often performed in the hospital or at home using a portable device.

3. Exchange Transfusion: In very rare and severe cases of jaundice, a blood exchange transfusion may be required to quickly reduce bilirubin levels. This is typically only needed when other treatments have not been effective.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of newborn jaundice are harmless, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. Contact your paediatrician if:

• Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours of life

• The yellowing becomes more intense or spreads to other parts of the body

• Your baby has difficulty waking, feeding, or seems extremely lethargic

• Symptoms last longer than two weeks, especially in breastfed babies

Early intervention can prevent complications like kernicterus, a rare but serious condition caused by extremely high bilirubin levels that can affect the brain.

Post-Treatment Care

If your baby undergoes phototherapy or any other treatment for jaundice, follow-up care is essential. Your paediatrician will monitor bilirubin levels to ensure they return to normal, and you may need to adjust feeding routines to keep bilirubin levels low.

Conclusion

Newborn jaundice is common and usually harmless, but understanding the condition and knowing how to manage it is key to ensuring your newborn’s well-being. For Singaporean moms, regular feeding, monitoring symptoms, and seeking timely medical advice are the best ways to handle jaundice. With the proper care, your baby will recover quickly, allowing you to focus on enjoying those precious first weeks together.