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Jaundiced Newborn

Bottlefed:
- If bottlefed, increase the frequency of feedings.
- Try for an interval of every 2 to 3 hours during the day.
Breastfed:
- If breastfed, increase the frequency of feedings.
- Nurse the baby every 1½ to 2½ hours during the day.
- Don't let the baby sleep more than 4 hours at night without a feeding.
Increase Stools: If your baby is 5 days or older AND has less than 3 stools/day, carefully insert a lubricated thermometer ½ inch into the anus and gently move it from side to side a few times to stimulate a stool (Reason: increased stools carry more bilirubin out of the body). Do this once or twice a day until jaundice improves or stool frequency becomes normal.
Expected Course: Physiological jaundice peaks on day 4 or 5 and then gradually disappears over 1-2 weeks.
Judging Jaundice: View your baby unclothed in natural light near a window. Press on the yellow skin with a finger to remove the normal skin tone. Then assess the jaundice color before the pink color returns.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.