Bringing your baby home is a joyful and emotional time, but it can also come with questions and worries. After the birth of a child, the baby could come down with different conditions. While this is not your optimal desire, situations like this could present themselves. One of the commonly observed conditions in children is newborn jaundice and in this blogpost we try to arm you with information to prepare you ahead so you could know what to do if you are faced with such situation.
It is estimated 6 out of every 10 babies develop jaundice, including 8 out of 10 babies who are premature births so it is a common occurrence. Many parents experience concerns related to jaundice in the early days, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. With the right support and care, this condition can be resolved quite easily.
What is Newborn Jaundice?
As mentioned earlier, Jaundice is very common in newborns, affecting around 6 in 10 babies. It appears as a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, usually within the first week of life. It happens when there’s a build-up of bilirubin—a natural substance made when red blood cells are broken down. Because your baby’s liver is still maturing, it may take a few days to clear bilirubin effectively.
Most cases are mild and harmless, but sometimes jaundice can be more severe and require medical attention.
Symptoms to look out for include:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking for feeds.
- Reluctance to feed or poor sucking.
- Dark urine or pale stools.
If you notice any of these, always let your midwife, GP, or health visitor know promptly.
Treatment for newborn jaundice
Generally, treatment is not usually needed because the symptoms normally pass within 10 to 14 days, although they can occasionally last longer.
Treatment is usually only recommended if tests reveal very high levels of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. This is due to the fact that there is a small chance that this bilirubin could pass through the brain damage for a baby.
If brain damage happens as a result of high bilirubin levels from jaundice, it can result in a life threatening condition known as KERNICTERUS. However, this condition is very rare in the United Kingdom.
Feeding and Reluctant Feeders
Feeding plays a key role in helping your baby clear jaundice, as regular milk intake supports the liver in processing bilirubin. However, some babies with jaundice may be sleepier and less interested in feeding.
Tips for encouraging feeding include:
- Offer skin-to-skin contact to stimulate your baby’s natural feeding instincts.
- Gently wake your baby by undressing them to their nappy, stroking their feet, or changing their nappy before a feed.
- Try to feed at least 8–12 times in 24 hours.
- If latching is difficult, hand-expressing or pumping and giving milk via a syringe or cup can help.
Trust your instincts—if your baby seems unusually sleepy or uninterested in feeding, seek advice from your midwife or a breastfeeding specialist.
Newborn Weight Loss: What’s Normal?
It’s natural for babies to lose some weight after birth—up to 10% of their birth weight is considered normal in the first few days. Most babies regain their birth weight within 10–14 days.
However, if weight loss is greater than expected, or if your baby isn’t gaining weight steadily after the first two weeks, your midwife will provide support. This may include reviewing feeding, checking latch, or suggesting ways to increase milk supply or supplement safely if needed.
Caring for Yourself and Your Baby
Caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges like jaundice or reluctant feeding arise. Remember:
- Jaundice is very common and usually resolves within a week or two.
- Frequent feeding is the best support for your baby’s recovery.
- You are not failing if your baby needs extra help—sometimes babies require phototherapy (light treatment) or temporary feeding support, and that’s okay.
A Final Word of Reassurance
Every baby’s journey is different. Some feed eagerly from the start, while others need a little extra patience and support. What matters most is that you are attentive, loving, and responsive—and you are already doing an incredible job.
If you’re ever concerned about jaundice, feeding, or weight, don’t hesitate to reach out to your midwife, health visitor, or GP. With the right care, these early challenges usually pass quickly, and you and your baby can continue your journey together with confidence and peace of mind.
You’re doing wonderfully, mama. And remember, your midwife cares about you.
