Are breastfed babies more likely to develop jaundice?
Breastfed babies are more likely than formula-fed infants to develop jaundice (3). However, jaundice occurs mainly in babies who are not nursing well (3, 4). These babies may not get enough calories and may become dehydrated, both of which may contribute to jaundice. Breastfeeding mothers should nurse their babies at least 8 to 12 times a day for the first several days of life to help keep their baby’s bilirubin level down (4). The AAP recommends that all healthy full-term and near-term babies be breastfed (4). Breastmilk is the ideal food for babies and provides many health benefits, including reducing the risk of infections. What are the signs of jaundice? Yellow discoloration usually first appears on the face and in the whites of the eyes. A parent often can tell if a baby has jaundice by looking at the baby under natural daylight or in a room that has fluorescent lights. If a parent thinks there is a yellowish color, he should contact the baby’s health care provider. Most babies wi