Jaundice and breastfeeding

The relationship between breastfeeding and jaundice in infancy is examined in the light of the physiologic and biochemical mechanisms that are responsible for physiologic jaundice in the newborn. The normal prolongation of jaundice into the third and later weeks of life in the breastfed infant (breast milk jaundice) is distinguished from the exaggeration of jaundice that can occur in the inadequately breastfed infant (breast-nonfeeding jaundice). Recommendations for prevention of jaundice are based on methods to assure optimal breast milk intake for the infant. Indications for laboratory diagnostic work-up are also provided along with recommendation for management of the full-term and premature infant with increased jaundice to prevent development of bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus).