Breast Milk Jaundice: Should You Continue Breastfeeding?

Breast milk jaundice is a common condition in newborns where there's a yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin. Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. While breast milk jaundice itself is usually harmless, the higher levels of bilirubin can cause concern for parents. It's important to understand the impact of this condition on treatment and infant health, as it affects the decisions new parents must make.

Historically, the primary approach involved stopping breastfeeding temporarily and using formula to lower bilirubin levels rapidly. The rationale was that a break from Breast Milk would help lower the bilirubin levels faster. However, this method often created challenges in restarting breastfeeding after the jaundice subsided. The implications here are that, while the goal was a quick fix, it often led to problems for the baby and mother long after treatment concluded.

The study, conducted at Cheil General Hospital & Women's Health Care Center, investigated how continuing breastfeeding during breast milk jaundice treatment affects recovery. The study compared two groups of newborns, one that continued breastfeeding and one that temporarily stopped to receive formula. Researchers looked at how quickly bilirubin levels decreased, and also evaluated difficulties mothers had in continuing or restarting breastfeeding after discharge. The significance is that the results of the study provide evidence for healthcare providers and parents alike to determine if continuing breastfeeding affects treatment and breastfeeding success.

The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the time it took for bilirubin levels to drop below 13 mg/dL between the groups, which is considered successful treatment. The group who continued breastfeeding had fewer breastfeeding difficulties, such as nipple confusion and breast engorgement. In the long term, the duration of breastfeeding and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for six months were significantly higher in the breastfeeding group. Therefore, continuing breastfeeding doesn't hinder recovery, but it actually supports better long term breastfeeding success and prevents issues linked to discontinuing breastfeeding.

Based on the evidence, unless there are specific medical reasons against it, continuing breastfeeding during treatment for breast milk jaundice is generally recommended. This aligns with WHO and UNICEF's guidelines. This approach supports the emotional and physical well-being of both mother and baby, and makes it easier to have successful long-term breastfeeding. Healthcare providers and parents now have solid evidence to support their decisions, potentially improving the outcomes for both mothers and infants experiencing jaundice.