How Do You Lower Bilirubin?
Bilirubin is the yellow brownish substance that is produced when the liver breaks down or takes apart old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then passed out of the body through the feces or stool and bilirubin is what gives feces its brown color. People are tested for bilirubin to measure the amount they have in their blood. A newborn full-term baby’s bilirubin level is considered high at 15-20 mg, however if the infant is being breastfed in will generally quickly level off and will start dropping on its own. In some cases however the majority of doctors may decide that some steps need to be done to lower the bilirubin level, especially if the baby is not being breastfed and the bilirubin level continues to climb. Begin by stopping breastfeeding and supplementing with formula until the bilirubin starts to lower, and then restart breastfeeding. While the baby is on formula, continue to pump your breasts to maintain proper milk production or lactation and decrease the chances of a breast infe
