Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, characterized by a yellow discoloration of the baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes. This yellowing occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood, a substance produced when old red blood cells are broken down. While the mother’s liver processes bilirubin for the baby during pregnancy, after birth, the newborn’s immature liver takes over this function. It can take some time for the baby’s liver to efficiently remove bilirubin, leading to its buildup.
Jaundice and Infant Sleep Patterns
Jaundice can indeed make babies excessively sleepy or lethargic. High levels of bilirubin, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia, can affect the brain, leading to drowsiness and reduced alertness. This increased sleepiness can then create a feedback loop where the baby feeds poorly. Inadequate feeding means the baby receives less milk, which can hinder the effective excretion of bilirubin through stools and urine, potentially worsening the jaundice.
To counteract this, it is important to gently wake a jaundiced baby for regular feedings. Healthcare providers often recommend feeding every 2 to 3 hours, even if it means waking the baby. Frequent feeding helps ensure the baby receives adequate hydration and nutrition, which promotes more frequent bowel movements. This increased stool output is important because bilirubin is primarily excreted from the body through the baby’s waste.
Other Indicators of Jaundice
Beyond sleepiness, the most recognizable sign of jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. This yellow tint usually appears first on the face and scalp, then progresses downwards to the chest, abdomen, and limbs as bilirubin levels rise. Observing the baby in natural light, such as near a window, can help parents check for this yellowing. Gently pressing on the baby’s skin can also reveal the yellow discoloration when the pressure is released.
Other indicators that may accompany jaundice include changes in the baby’s urine and stool. A newborn’s urine should be colorless, so dark yellow urine can be a sign of jaundice. Similarly, pale or chalky stools, which are normally yellowish-green, may also suggest jaundice. Poor feeding or difficulty latching can also be a general indicator of a baby not feeling well, including those affected by jaundice.
When to Contact a Doctor
Prompt medical attention is important if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours after birth. Any rapid increase in the intensity of the yellowing, especially if it spreads to the arms or legs, warrants contacting a healthcare provider without delay.
Seek medical advice if the baby exhibits excessive sleepiness, difficulty waking, or a noticeable lack of interest in feeding. Parents should also contact a doctor if the baby becomes unusually irritable, cries inconsolably, or exhibits a high-pitched cry. The development of a fever in a jaundiced baby is another reason to contact a doctor. Additionally, if the baby’s stools are pale or clay-colored, or their urine appears dark, professional medical evaluation is needed. Jaundice that persists for more than two or three weeks, particularly in full-term, breastfed babies, should also be assessed by a healthcare provider. Following up on any recommended bilirubin tests or appointments after hospital discharge helps ensure the baby’s well-being.