Understanding Neonatal Jaundice: What Every Parent Should Know

When parents bring a newborn home, they're filled with excitement - and a fair share of worry. One of the most common early concerns is a yellowish tint to the baby's skin and eyes. This condition is known as neonatal jaundice. It can be alarming at first, but in many cases, it's harmless and temporary.

In this blog, Dr. Brahma Dev Singh, a renowned neonatologist and paediatrician in Siliguri, explains what jaundice in newborns means, when it’s normal, and when it needs medical attention.

What Is Neonatal Jaundice?

Jaundice refers to the yellow colouring of the skin and eyes caused by a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that forms when red blood cells break down. In newborns, their liver - which helps remove bilirubin - is still developing and may take a few days to work efficiently.

This causes bilirubin to build up, leading to physiological jaundice, which is usually harmless.

Types of Neonatal Jaundice

Not all jaundice is the same. Here are the main types:

Physiological Jaundice

• Most common form
• Appears after 24 - 72 hours of birth
• Peaks by day 4 - 5 and fades by 7 - 10 days
• Usually resolves on its own

Breastfeeding Jaundice

• Caused by poor feeding in the early days
• Results in dehydration and delayed removal of bilirubin

Breast Milk Jaundice

• Occurs after the first week
• Caused by substances in breast milk that affect bilirubin breakdown
• Usually harmless and resolves slowly over time

Pathological Jaundice (needs medical care)

• Appears within 24 hours of birth
• Bilirubin levels rise rapidly
• May be due to blood group mismatch, infection, liver disorders, or enzyme issues

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

While most newborns have mild jaundice, some cases require attention. Call your paediatrician if you notice:

• Yellowing within 24 hours of birth
• Yellowing spreading to arms, legs, or palms
• Baby is excessively sleepy or not feeding well
• High-pitched crying
• Poor weight gain
• Dark yellow urine or pale stools

These may indicate pathological jaundice or complications that need urgent evaluation.

How Is Jaundice Diagnosed?

Dr. Singh uses several methods to diagnose jaundice:

• Visual assessment under natural light
• Transcutaneous bilirubin meter (non-invasive device)
• Serum bilirubin blood test to measure exact levels
• Blood group testing for mother and baby
• Additional tests if infection or liver disease is suspected

When Is Treatment Required?

Not all babies with jaundice need treatment. But if bilirubin levels cross a certain limit, treatment becomes essential to prevent serious complications like kernicterus (brain damage due to excess bilirubin).

Common Treatment Options

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

• Most common treatment
• Baby is placed under a blue light that breaks down bilirubin
• Safe and effective

Feeding Support

• Ensuring regular feeding (breast or formula)
• Helps flush out bilirubin through urine and stool

Exchange Transfusion (rare cases)

• Needed when bilirubin levels are dangerously high
• Baby's blood is replaced with donor blood to remove excess bilirubin

Jaundice Care at Dr. Brahma Dev Singh's Clinic

As a leading newborn care doctor in Siliguri, Dr. Brahma Dev Singh offers:

• On-site bilirubin testing
• Safe and advanced phototherapy units
• Parental counselling for feeding and home care
• Monitoring for complications like dehydration or poor weight gain
• Follow-up tracking of bilirubin levels until complete recovery

Tips for Parents

• Always check your baby's skin and eye colour in natural light
• Feed your baby every 2-3 hours to avoid dehydration
• Visit a paediatrician in Siliguri if jaundice appears too early or seems to worsen
• Don’t stop breastfeeding unless advised by your doctor
• Keep follow-up appointments to monitor progress

Common Myths About Neonatal Jaundice

Myth: Sunlight is enough to treat jaundice.
Fact: Mild sunlight helps, but medical phototherapy is more reliable and effective.

Myth: All jaundice is dangerous.
Fact: Most cases are harmless, but early detection is the key.

Myth: Breastfeeding should be stopped.
Fact: Breastfeeding should continue unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Neonatal jaundice is very common - but it doesn't have to be scary. With the right knowledge and expert care, your baby will be just fine. As a top paediatrician and neonatologist in Siliguri, Dr. Brahma Dev Singh ensures that every newborn is monitored, supported, and treated with care.

If you notice any signs or simply need a check-up, book an appointment with Dr. Singh today - your baby's health deserves nothing less.