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 the hepatitis B vaccination, it fell below 100. Now, at two months, a follow-up check shows the level has risen to 123. The doctor prescribed Yin Zhi Huang for three days, followed by three days of stopping breastfeeding, then another check. Breastfeeding continues, and the baby’s mental state and feeding are both good. Is this serious?

Answer: Newborn jaundice usually resolves within 30 days, which is normal. A level of 237 indicates that the baby may already have infantile hemolytic anemia, so immediate specialized treatment at a hospital is necessary. Don’t worry—the majority of affected infants recover after 70 days of treatment. 238

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July 7, 2014