Prevention of Jaundice

Have you ever seen small babies with yellow eyes? Do you know why Kenyan mothers are encouraged to expose their little ones to the sun? Well, one of the problems you will worry about after you give birth is infant jaundice. The condition provides an infant’s eyes a yellow color, a sign that the baby’s blood has too much bilirubin.

Facts you need to know about jaundice

1. It is a common condition among infants, so if your baby has it, do not panic.
2. In the process of replacing old red blood cells, the body creates bilirubin. The liver is supposed to remove bilirubin from the body. However, when this substance (which is yellow) is too much, it leads to jaundice.
3. Under normal circumstances, infant jaundice will clear within the first 14 days as the young liver gets used to its functions.
4. Breastfed babies are likely to suffer from breast milk jaundice during the first few days after birth, but the condition should clear on its own.

Illnesses that lead to severe infant jaundice

1. Sickle cell anemia
2. Blood incompatibility between mother and child (also known as ABO incompatibility)
3. A low level of oxygen.
4. Sexually transmitted infections passed on to the baby at birth, like syphilis.
5. Sometimes, during a difficult birth, the baby might start to bleed beneath the scalp. That will likely lead to jaundice.
6. Genetic and inherited diseases
7. Twins and other multiples might have too many red blood cells.

Risks of severe jaundice

If this illness is left untreated, it will lead to life-threatening complications like:

1. Loss of hearing
2. Permanent brain damage (kernicterus)
3. Seizures
4. Cerebral palsy
5. Retarded growth

When should you see a specialist?

1. If other parts of your baby’s body like the stomach, arms, and legs become yellow.
2. If the problem persists beyond two weeks.
3. If you realize that the little one is having trouble staying awake
4. When you feel that the child is not gaining weight and is too restless and irritable.
5. When you see any other abnormalities.

Treatment for infant jaundice

1. Phototherapy. Your baby is exposed to a special blue light at the hospital. As the tender skin takes in the light, the bilirubin is broken down, and then it is secreted through urine and stool.
2. Breastmilk is a known treatment for this illness.
3. If the condition is too severe, your baby will have to go through a blood transfusion.
4. If the jaundice is a result of another infection, your doctor will treat the disease first.

Prevention of jaundice

Whether you are breastfeeding or using baby formula, make sure that your baby is well-fed. That milk will energize the liver, which is responsible for eliminating bilirubin.

Conclusion

The most important thing a mum should know is that infant jaundice will clear on its own. Keep breastfeeding your baby as directed by the clinician, and monitoring the child for any other uncommon symptoms.