Jaundice is a yellowish tinge to the skin and/or eyes. Jaundice in a newborn (neonatal jaundice) is a common and normal occurrence caused by excess bilirubin (a breakdown product of hemoglobin made by the liver).

All babies have some degree of jaundice. Breast-fed babies often have more severe jaundice. This is known as "breast feeding jaundice." While there is no scientific proof, some experts think this exaggerated jaundice provides the baby with antioxidant effects, protecting the infant from tissue injury or disease.

If the jaundice occurs or persists past the first week in an otherwise healthy and thriving breast-fed infant, this condition is called "breast milk jaundice." The cause is thought to relate to factors in the breast milk itself which inhibit certain enzymes in the liver.

Breast milk jaundice does tend to run in families. It is seen equally in males and females and affects approximately 0.5% to 2.4% of live births.

The symptom is prolonged jaundice in a healthy, breast-fed newborn, beginning after the first week of life and continuing up to the sixth week of life.

• blood test for bilirubin (total and direct)
• complete blood count (with smear)
• reticulocyte count
• blood type
• test for G6PD (in some populations)

Treatment will depend on the bilirubin level. In general, more frequent nursing (up to 12 times a day) will decrease the bilirubin level. If the bilirubin level is worrisome (greater than 20 mg/dL), a mother can stop nursing for 24 to 48 hours, which will result in a rapid drop of bilirubin.

She can express the milk or pump her breasts (to maintain comfort and the flow of milk) and bottle feed the baby in the interim. When nursing is re-started, the bilirubin will not return to previous levels. Other measures, such as phototherapy, may be necessary with bilirubin levels greater than18 mg/dL (or if bilirubin levels are lower but rapidly increasing).

Breast milk jaundice is not preventable. When the condition does occur, it is very important to recognize that your baby looks yellow as early as possible, and to have bilirubin levels checked right away to make sure that there are no other liver problems.

Breast feeding jaundice (which occurs during the first week of life) can be limited by making sure your baby is getting enough breast milk. Give your baby unlimited time at each breast, and feed approximately 10 to 12 times per day starting from the first day of life. Get help from a lactation consultant or your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any difficulty.