Breast Milk Jaundice
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Breast Milk Jaundice Treatment
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).
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