Breast Feeding And Jaundice

Jaundice is a result of buildup in the blood of the bilirubin, a yellow pigment that comes from the
breakdown of older red blood cells.  It's normal for the red blood cells to break down, although
the bilirubin formed doesn't normally cause jaundice
because the liver will metabolize it and then get rid of it in the gut.

However, the newborn baby will often become jaundiced during the first few days due to the
liver enzyme that metabolizes the bilirubin becoming relatively immature.  Therefore, newborn babies will have more red blood cells than adults, and thus more will break down at any given time.

Breast milk jaundice

There is a condition that's commonly referred to as breast milk jaundice, although no one knows what actually causes it.  In order to diagnose it,
the baby should be at least a week old.  The baby should also be gaining well with breast feeding alone, having lots of bowel movements with the
passing of clean urine.

In this type of setting, the baby has what is referred to as breast milk jaundice.  On occasion, infections of the urine or an under functioning
of the baby's thyroid gland, as well as other rare illnesses that may cause the same types of problems.

Breast milk jaundice will peak at 10 - 21 days, although it can last for 2 - 3 months.  Contrary to what you may think, breast milk jaundice is normal.  Rarely, if at all ever, does breast feeding need to be stopped for even a brief period of time.

If the baby is doing well on breast milk, there is no reason at all to stop or supplement with a lactation aid.  

Poor Milk Supply

Almost all women don't have a problem with producing enough milk to breast feed.  The ideal way to make  sure that your baby is getting enough milk is to be sure that he's well positioned, attached to the breast, and feed him as often as he gets hungry.

Some mom's that are breast feeding will stop before they want to, simply because they don't think they have enough breast milk.  

There are signs that might make you believe your baby isn't getting enough milk.  If your baby seems hungry or unsettled after feeding, or if he wants to feed often with short pauses between feedings, you may  think he isn't getting enough milk - which are often times not the case.

There are however, two reliable signs that let you know your baby isn't getting enough milk.  If your baby has poor or really slow weight gain, or is passing small amounts of concentrated urine, he's not getting enough milk.

All babies will lose weight within the first few days after birth.  Babies are born with supplies of fat and fluids, which will help them keep going for
the first several days.  

Once your baby regains birth weight, he should begin putting on around 200g for the first four months or so.  To get back to their birth weight, it normally takes a few weeks.

If the weight gain for your baby seems to be slow, don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse to observe you breast feeding.  This way, they can make sure that your technique is right and if they think your baby is breast feeding often enough.

To help you with your breast feeding, here are some ways that you can increase your supply of milk:
1.  Be sure that your baby is positioned correctly and attached to your breast.
    2.  Let your baby feed for as long and often as he wants.
    3.  If you feel that your baby isn't breast feeding enough, offer him more breast feeds.
    4.  During each breast feed, make sure you feed from both breasts.
    5.  If your baby has been using a dummy, make sure you stop him.
    6.  Some babies may be sleepy and reluctant to feed, which may be the cause of problems with
milk supply.

By following the above tips, you'll do your part in making sure you have enough milk when it comes time to breast feed.  If you are uncertain or have other questions, be sure to ask your doctor, as he can answer any type of question you may have.