HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Mothers Milk Jaundice In An Infant

Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2014

Question: Hi doctor as discussed with u earlier my new born baby was diagnosed with mothers milk jaundice and my local doctor stopped mothers feed and started formula milk for 10 days even my baby is responding to same as in first 7 days bilirubin level dropped from 15 to 3.5 kindly guide that if jaundice comes to normal level post that it would be safe to put baby back on mothers milk.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Start exclusive breast feeding

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Good Morning

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

Jaundice caused due to breast milk,there is usually no need to discontinue Breast milk. It usually regresses on its own. Some of the Pediatrician discontinue Breastmilk. This causes rapid decrease in Bilirubin level. Breast milk can be started again. The Bilirubin level will not increase again.
In my clinical practise if there is unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia, other Hematological cause being excluded: Breast milk induced Jaundice being diagnosed, I have never recommended for breast milk to be stopped. They spontaneously improve.
So you can safely put back the baby on exclusive breast feeding. Continue Exclusive breast feeding till 6 months of age

Rest be assured there is no cause for concern.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (2 days later)

doctor as my child is on formula milk his bilirubin level has reduced considerably to 3.5 still as it seems jaundice is moving out as he is 35 days old still some yellowness is observed near the nose and above the eyebrow and chin majorly visible when he Cry's is it natural or should I take certain care as his jaundice is about to wash out.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

When there is rise in Bilirubin level above 2mg%, it binds with collagen of the tissues and causes yellowish discolouration. Initially there is yellowish discolouration of face and eyes, as the level still rises further the discolouration proceeds from head to toe in sequence.
Even if the Bilirubin level has returned to near normal ( Biochemical cure), the bilirubin is still bound to collagen tissue in the face , it takes time for the discolouration to disappear. So do not be worried about it. I would again recommend you to start with exclusive breast feeding.

Take Care

Regards
Dr Deepak

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar