Jaundice

Jaundice is very common among Asian Newborn babies.

Jaundice means the yellow appearance of the skin and whites of the eyes that occurs when the blood contains an excess of the pigment called bilirubin.

Bilirubin is a natural product arising from the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body and is excreted in the bile, through the actions of the liver.

Although jaundice is most often the result of a disorder affecting the liver, it can be caused by a variety of other conditions affecting, for example, the blood or spleen. It should be thoroughly investigated, so that the underlying cause can be identified and treated.

Both my kids were born with severe jaundice and were required to be under the UV light for 2 to 3 days. Bunny Dear's bilirubin level were at 250 when he is 2 days old. The level increases up to 265 when he is 8 days old (which is considered the peak days). Luckily the level decreased to 241 in day 9 and 205 in day 12.

Some tips from the doctor:
1) Formula milk actually helps to reduce the bilirubin level better than breast milk
2) Asian mom who are breast feeding, please reduce the intake of ginger and wine during the first few days or until the baby's bilirubin level dropped to a safe level.