6. Lin Yanling

6. Lin Yanling

Fourteen days after birth, my baby was found to have jaundice with a bilirubin level of 303. After five days of phototherapy in the hospital, the level dropped to 150, and the baby was discharged. Two days later, the level didn’t rise again, and before administering the hepatitis B vaccine, it fell below 100. Now, at two months, a follow-up check shows the level has risen again to 123. The doctor prescribed Yin Zhi Huang for three days, followed by three days of stopping breastfeeding, then another check. The baby is feeding well and in good spirits. Is this serious?

Answer: Newborn jaundice normally resolves within 30 days. A level of 237 indicates infantile hemolytic anemia, which can be diagnosed and treated promptly at a specialized hospital. Don’t worry—the majority of affected infants recover after 70 days of treatment. 238

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July 7, 2014