|
|
Breast Milk Jaundice
Definition Breast milk jaundice is persistent jaundice in the newborn, caused by certain enzyme inhibitors found in the breast milk. It occurs after the first week of life and may continue up to the sixth week of life in otherwise healthy and exclusively breast-fed infants.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Officials Still Seek Source of Salmonella Outbreak - Jan 09, 2009, 14:00
Almost 400 Americans in 42 states have been sickened. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 9, 2009 - Jan 09, 2009, 10:05
- Fungal Infections
- Post Menopause
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
| • | Americans Consuming More Sugary Beverages - Jan 09, 2009, 12:00
Adults gulping an average of 300 calories every day, study finds. | • | Garlic as a Cancer Fighter? Maybe Not - Jan 09, 2009, 16:00
Evidence that strong-smelling herb prevents cancer is said to be weak.
| • | Antipsychotics Up Death Risk in Alzheimer's Patients - Jan 09, 2009, 09:00
Long-term study says the drugs should only be used short-term, as last resort. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Breast Milk Jaundice Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Breast Milk Jaundice Symptoms & Signs
• Breast Milk Jaundice Prevention
• Breast Milk Jaundice Diagnosis & Tests
• Breast Milk Jaundice Treatment
• Breast Milk Jaundice Prognosis
• Breast Milk Jaundice Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Tests & Exams
• Bilirubin
Other Topics
• Breast Milk
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
Review Date : 1/13/2003
Reviewed By : Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
