Jaundice

                       Three out of four of my babies suffered from jaundice, this is why I thought to write some advice on the condition.

                     When bilirubin, builds

                    A baby may develop jaundice in the first few days after birth; it is common in premature babies. This is usually caused by a liver that is not yet functional. There are no other symptoms and will usually clear up within a week, as the liver matures.

      Symptoms;

n      Yellow tinge to skin and eyes

n      In severe jaundice, the palms of the hands and soles of feet will be affected

n      Drowsiness

n      Feeding difficulties

                  Treatment for jaundice is exposure to ultraviolet lights, this will speed up the process, and the lights change bilirubin to a form that is more readily excreted. If you are still in hospital this will be done straight away. Now days, most mothers are home within 2-3 days. At home always keep an eye on your babies colour, if you notice jaundice mention it to you visiting midwife, she will most probably notice it on her check anyway but its good to be aware.

                 My mother’s advice to me was to always make sure the babies got a good amount of sun. Most of my babies where winter babies so it was cold, but I made sure to find a spot where the sun would shine through a window. I would place my children there in the sun light.

                 Feeding your baby soon after birth and doing frequent feeds will help to reduce the risk. This helps by stimulating the intestinal tract to produce frequent stools, which will increase the excretion of bilirubin.

                Mild jaundice will have no treatment. If the child is otherwise healthy his/her liver will only take a few days to start working properly. Moderate to severe jaundice will need light therapy.

                There are other causes of jaundice. This is why it must be checked. Jaundice at this early age does not necessarily mean your baby will have future liver problems, but please do have it checked.

                I hope this helps………..