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Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Jaundice

Paediatric Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Calgary, Canada

Reginald S. Sauve, M.D., M.P.H., F.R.C.P.C., F.A.A.P.

Neonatologist, Foothills Provincial Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

TWO TYPES of jaundice associated with breast feeding are recognized. The first type is early onset breastfeeding jaundice which may result from caloric deprivation and/or insufficient frequency of feeding. This type of jaundice can be prevented or treated by encouraging mothers to nurse as frequently as possible, particularly if the bilirubin level is rising. The second type is later onset, prolonged jaundice, known as the breast milk jaundice syndrome which is associated with one or more abnormalities in the maternal milk itself. Breast milk jaundice syndrome generally needs no therapy if serum bilirubin concen trations remain below 270 µmol/l in healthy full-term infants. When the serum bilirubin concentration is above 270 µmol/l and rising, temporary interruption of breastfeeding may be indicated.

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