Causes of Newborn Jaundice: Understand the Factors, Warning Signs, and How to Overcome Them

Moms, seeing your baby’s skin turn yellow a few days after birth can be worrying. The common question is, is this normal or a danger sign? This condition is actually quite common. Around 60–80% of newborns experience skin color changes due to increased bilirubin levels, a yellow pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells.

This article will help you understand the causes of newborn jaundice, recognize warning signs, and learn natural and safe ways to manage it. With the right information, you can feel more confident supporting your little one during the early days of life.

What Is Newborn Jaundice (Infantile Icterus)?

Icterus is the medical term for newborn jaundice. The symptoms are clear on the skin and the whites of the eyes, which appear yellowish. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and removes it through urine and feces. However, a newborn’s liver is not fully mature, so bilirubin removal works more slowly.

Jaundice usually appears on day 2 to 5 after birth and gradually goes away on its own. Even so, proper understanding is important so you can distinguish between normal conditions and those requiring medical attention.

Common Causes of Newborn Jaundice

Source: Unsplash

The most common cause of newborn jaundice is physiological jaundice. This process happens because the baby’s liver is not yet able to break down bilirubin quickly. This condition is not dangerous and usually resolves within 1–2 weeks. Babies remain active, breastfeed well, and show no other signs of illness.

Besides physiological factors, other causes that need attention include:

• Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby: If your blood type and your baby’s are different (for example Rh negative/positive), the baby’s red blood cells may break down faster.

• Infections: Bacteria or viruses may interfere with liver function.

• Premature birth: A premature baby’s liver has more difficulty processing bilirubin.

• Congenital liver disorders: Such as biliary atresia.

• Low breast milk intake: Insufficient feeding makes babies urinate and defecate less, making bilirubin harder to eliminate.

Warning Signs of Newborn Jaundice That Need Medical Attention

You should take your baby to the doctor immediately if:

• Jaundice appears within the first 24 hours.

• The yellow color spreads to the stomach, thighs, or palms.

• Your baby looks weak, has difficulty breastfeeding, or sleeps excessively.

• Jaundice lasts more than 14 days.

• It is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or seizures.

You can monitor by gently pressing your baby’s forehead or chest to check whether the skin looks yellow more clearly.

The Role of Breastfeeding in Overcoming Newborn Jaundice

Breastfeeding is a natural way to lower bilirubin levels. When your baby gets enough breast milk, they urinate and defecate more often, which helps eliminate bilirubin. Ideally, you should breastfeed 8–12 times in 24 hours during the first week.

In addition, skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding helps calm your baby while also stimulating milk production. Make sure the latch is correct so your baby gets the most out of breastfeeding.

If Your Baby Has Trouble Breastfeeding Directly, Use Safe Alternatives

Sometimes, newborn jaundice makes babies sleepier and harder to feed directly. In this case, it is important to ensure they still get enough fluids. You can:

• Express breast milk and give it using a spoon or a special bottle.

• Choose bottles with a slow flow teat that resembles the mother’s nipple.

• Avoid fast flow teats so your baby does not choke or develop nipple confusion.

This method ensures your baby gets proper nutrition while maintaining breastfeeding continuity.

Hegen, a Safe Feeding Solution for Newborns Who Need Extra Support

Moms dealing with newborn jaundice can consider Hegen bottles as a practical solution.

Advantages of Hegen for your baby:

• Anti-colic technology: Reduces the risk of bloating and fussiness after feeding.

• Nipple design similar to the mother’s breast: Minimizes the risk of nipple confusion.

• 3-in-1 system: Can be used for pumping, storing, and feeding in one bottle.

With these benefits, you can easily provide expressed breast milk anytime without transferring it to another container. Hegen supports more frequent feeding needs in jaundiced babies while maintaining emotional bonding between you and your little one.

Read also: 3 Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding for Babies, Helps Build Immunity

Additional Tips for Moms

Source: Unsplash

In addition to ensuring your baby gets enough breast milk, the following steps can help:

• Morning sunlight exposure: Sunbathe your baby for about 10 minutes before 9 a.m., twice a day, while protecting their eyes and genitals.

• Monitor weight: A loss of more than 10% of birth weight requires special attention.

• Record urination frequency: A healthy newborn urinates at least 6 times a day after day 5.

These simple steps help you monitor development and prevent complications.

When Should You Go to the Doctor Immediately?

Go to the hospital or clinic if:

• Jaundice appears on the first day.

• Your baby does not feed well, vomits frequently, or urinates rarely.

• The skin looks very yellow up to the stomach and legs.

• Your baby looks very weak or unresponsive.

Medical staff may recommend bilirubin level checks or phototherapy if necessary.

Read also: Signs of Breast Milk Jaundice in Babies: Causes and How to Overcome It

Do Not Panic, But Stay Alert

Moms, knowing the causes of newborn jaundice will help you be more prepared. Most cases are physiological and disappear on their own. Ensure your baby gets enough breast milk, either directly or with the help of safe bottles, and watch for warning signs. If you are unsure, do not delay consulting a doctor to keep your baby healthy.

Always make sure your baby gets enough breast milk, even when facing newborn jaundice. Hegen bottles are designed to support natural and comfortable feeding, from pumping to feeding without hassle. Discover feeding solutions that support your baby’s growth and development here.