Newborn jaundice is a common condition that affects many babies shortly after birth. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide expert care for infants with jaundice to ensure that your baby remains healthy and develops normally. Our experienced team of pediatricians, including a neonatal care doctor in Atlanta, offers early detection, treatment, and support for families dealing with jaundice.
What is Newborn Jaundice?
Jaundice occurs when a baby’s blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, the liver is still developing and may not be able to remove bilirubin from the blood efficiently, leading to a yellowish tint in the skin and eyes. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), jaundice affects about 60% of full-term newborns in their first week of life.
Dr. Sells is fantastic! We have been with her since our baby since her release from the NICU! Dr. Sells is very knowledgeable and patient! She has helped our baby love her visits to the doctor, even requesting to go see “Dr. Sells” without a scheduled appointment. Thank you for the special gifts (books) at each scheduled doctor’s visit! Perfect touch!
Signs and Symptoms of Newborn Jaundice
Jaundice typically appears between the second and fourth day of life. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Yellowing of the skin that begins on the face and moves down the body
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes (sclera)
- Dark urine (in severe cases)
- Poor feeding or difficulty waking for feedings
- Irritability or lethargy (in severe cases)
While mild jaundice is common and usually resolves on its own, more severe cases may require medical intervention. It is important to attend your newborn’s regular checkups to monitor for signs of jaundice.
Treatment for Newborn Jaundice
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we closely monitor jaundice to ensure your baby’s bilirubin levels are safe. Mild cases of jaundice often resolve without treatment, but in more severe cases, the following treatments may be necessary:
Phototherapy
is the most common treatment for newborn jaundice. Your baby is placed under a special light that helps break down bilirubin in the skin, allowing it to be processed and eliminated more easily by the liver.
Enhanced Feeding
ensures that your baby is receiving enough nutrition to help flush bilirubin through bowel movements. This may involve more frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
may be recommended in rare cases where jaundice is caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and baby.
Exchange Transfusion
is used in very severe cases. This involves replacing the baby’s blood with donor blood to reduce high bilirubin levels.
Most cases of jaundice can be managed with non-invasive treatments, but severe jaundice requires careful monitoring to prevent complications such as kernicterus, a rare but serious condition that can lead to brain damage.
Signs of Severe Jaundice in Babies
If your baby’s jaundice worsens or you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to seek medical care immediately:
- Deep yellow or orange skin that spreads down the body
- Lethargy or difficulty waking
- High-pitched crying
- Poor feeding or refusing to feed
- Arched back or body stiffness
Why Choose Intown Pediatrics for Newborn Jaundice?
Expert Neonatal Care
Our team, led by Dr. Deneta H. Sells, includes experienced pediatricians who specialize in newborn care and jaundice management.
Comprehensive Monitoring
We provide careful monitoring of bilirubin levels through physical exams and testing to ensure your baby’s jaundice is effectively managed.
Personalized Treatment
We tailor our treatment plans to meet your baby’s unique needs, using the most appropriate therapies based on the severity of jaundice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newborn Jaundice
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Mild jaundice typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks as the baby’s liver matures.
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Breastfeeding itself does not cause jaundice, but insufficient feeding may lead to higher bilirubin levels. We will work with you to ensure your baby is feeding well.
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Mild jaundice is common and usually not harmful. However, severe jaundice requires treatment to prevent complications.
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It’s important to follow your newborn checkup schedule, but if your baby’s skin or eyes become more yellow, or if they are feeding poorly, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Schedule Your Appointment for Jaundice Treatment in Atlanta
If your newborn is showing signs of jaundice, it’s important to seek prompt medical care. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, our team is here to provide expert diagnosis and treatment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, or Decatur.