Jaundice in 3 week old

[Kalinaa]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice/ put my mind at rest! I have a beautiful 3 week old baby who is breast fed. She is quite jaundiced especially in the face and eyes which does not seem to be improving. The midwives are aware and I was discharged from care yesterday. They said as she is gaining weight really well, plenty of wet/dirty nappies and is alert and waking for feeds that they are not concerned and said jaundice can linger in breast fed babies. Has anyone else had similar with this? How long did it take to clear up? I have read about sometimes blood tests being done to rule out anything sinister but haven’t had that offered, I guess I’ve just scared myself reading about all the possible things jaundice can cause. Thank you anyone for any reassurance/advice xxx

Hi, my second baby was exclusively breast fed and jaundiced for the first 8 weeks (nothing major, just a slight yellow colour). In the end he was referred to hospital for blood tests which all came back normal, and the jaundice cleared up shortly after. Maybe if it continues you'll be offered blood tests, but possibly being three weeks old not enough time has passed?

DC was premature and was jaundiced as you describe your baby OP. Mine wasn't feeding well and had lost weight by day 6 so was was admitted to hospital for 3 days and had phototherapy. Doctors also insisted on doing blood tests to rule out any underlying issues. Keep an eye on the baby and go back to hospital if you're worried.

That’s good to know @Nome11 thank you! Glad all was well with your baby. I know I should feel okay knowing the midwives have said it’s likely fine but I can’t stop worrying. @dottypencilcase thank you 💕 It’s so hard to know if I’m just being overly stressed or if I should be chasing it! Do you mind me asking how premature your baby was? X

Dc arrived 4 weeks early. He was born without eyelashes and eyebrows and looked like a little mouse! I don't know if this is your first baby or not but trust your motherly instincts. We know when something isn't right with our baby/ies. Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you're worried.

Hi @Kalinaa - my baby was referred by HV to the jaundice clinic at the 3 week check last week. (Going to the appointment this afternoon) however I wasn't particularly convinced that he does look jaundiced - his eyes are certainly looking normal. I'd say if you're concerned about it, seek medical advice.

My first was also exclusively breastfed and had prolonged jaundice. Little one was under the lights for 24 hours when 3 days old and then we had two further appointments up to about 8 weeks old,where we had to provide urine samples. It did eventually clear up by itself, but took quite some time.
Our midwife was quite good and came to check on baby every few days until it had all cleared up.

Dd had it and it was cleared up by 6 weeks on its own. By 3 weeks she was very yellow and I didn't see how it was going to clear and was worried, but it did. At 5 weeks they were talking about starting her under some lights if it didn't start improving but we didn't need that in the end.