How To Recognize and Manage Newborn Jaundice
- posted: Aug. 28, 2024
Does your new baby appear to have yellowish skin or eyes? If so, your little one likely has a case of newborn jaundice, which may occur after the second or fourth day of birth. Dr. Brian DuMais, Dr. Megan Dwyer, and Dr. Liz Dahlberg are your local pediatricians at Dumais Pediatrics. They specialize in newborn care in Orland Park, IL, so make an appointment for them to check your child’s condition and begin care.
What Is Jaundice?
When old red blood cells break down, they produce a byproduct called bilirubin. It should pass through the bloodstream for processing in the liver. However, the liver may not immediately process it correctly in newborns. As a result, your child may have high levels of it in the blood, creating a yellowing of the skin. It can also happen from prolonged breastfeeding.
Is It Dangerous?
In most cases, it is harmless in newborns and will eventually disappear. A regular wellness check as part of your newborn care in Orland Park, IL, can ensure proper monitoring and help if it turns serious.
In rare cases, it may signal dehydration or poor feeding. It may be a symptom of an infection or intestinal blockage. Liver disease or enzyme deficiencies may also be the cause.
How Can a Pediatrician Help?
Your pediatrician will monitor the situation to ensure the jaundice naturally resolves as the baby's liver matures. Your doctor can also advise how often you should feed the little one. In most cases, feedings occurring 10 or 12 times a day can help eliminate the extra bilirubin circulating in your child's system.
Doctors may also provide phototherapy treatment. Light therapy can help break down the bilirubin in their skin. If your doctor suspects underlying causes, they will run the necessary tests to ensure your newborn is healthy.
If you notice your baby's skin or eyes yellowing, it can be alarming for any parent. However, in most cases, it is a harmless condition. Ease your worries and ensure no serious issue is brewing by taking your child for a newborn wellness check with Dr. DuMais, Dr. Dwyer, and Dr. Dahlberg at Dumais Pediatrics. For caring and professional newborn care in Orland Park, IL, call us at 708-364-1600.
- posted: Aug. 28, 2024
Does your new baby appear to have yellowish skin or eyes? If so, your little one likely has a case of newborn jaundice, which may occur after the second or fourth day of birth. Dr. Brian DuMais, Dr. Megan Dwyer, and Dr. Liz Dahlberg are your local pediatricians at Dumais Pediatrics. They specialize in newborn care in Orland Park, IL, so make an appointment for them to check your child’s condition and begin care.
What Is Jaundice?
When old red blood cells break down, they produce a byproduct called bilirubin. It should pass through the bloodstream for processing in the liver. However, the liver may not immediately process it correctly in newborns. As a result, your child may have high levels of it in the blood, creating a yellowing of the skin. It can also happen from prolonged breastfeeding.
Is It Dangerous?
In most cases, it is harmless in newborns and will eventually disappear. A regular wellness check as part of your newborn care in Orland Park, IL, can ensure proper monitoring and help if it turns serious.
In rare cases, it may signal dehydration or poor feeding. It may be a symptom of an infection or intestinal blockage. Liver disease or enzyme deficiencies may also be the cause.
How Can a Pediatrician Help?
Your pediatrician will monitor the situation to ensure the jaundice naturally resolves as the baby's liver matures. Your doctor can also advise how often you should feed the little one. In most cases, feedings occurring 10 or 12 times a day can help eliminate the extra bilirubin circulating in your child's system.
Doctors may also provide phototherapy treatment. Light therapy can help break down the bilirubin in their skin. If your doctor suspects underlying causes, they will run the necessary tests to ensure your newborn is healthy.
If you notice your baby's skin or eyes yellowing, it can be alarming for any parent. However, in most cases, it is a harmless condition. Ease your worries and ensure no serious issue is brewing by taking your child for a newborn wellness check with Dr. DuMais, Dr. Dwyer, and Dr. Dahlberg at Dumais Pediatrics. For caring and professional newborn care in Orland Park, IL, call us at 708-364-1600.
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Dumais Pediatrics
10710 W 143rd St # 50
Orland Park, IL 60462, US