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“ BETTER CHILD may reveal underlying conditions needing urgent care. When a baby is seen in a clinic or hospital, doctors first check whether the jaundice is normal and temporary or linked to another problem. “We start with a thorough history and physical examination to see if bilirubin is affecting the baby in ways other than skin colour,” Dr Lerato says. Blood tests are then ordered to measure bilirubin levels, check for infections, and look for signs of rapid red blood cell breakdown. Additional tests may include a Coombs test for blood type incompatibility, enzyme screening, or infection markers, she points out. CARE & PREVENTION Treatment and prevention of jaundice depend on its cause and severity. For newborns, the most common treatment is phototherapy, where babies are placed under a special blue light, wearing only a nappy and protective eye covering. “The light helps the body break down bilirubin into a form that can be passed out more easily,” Dr Lerato says. Where bilirubin levels are dangerously high and could affect the brain, an exchange transfusion may be needed. “This involves replacing the baby’s blood with donor blood to rapidly lower bilirubin levels,” she explains. If the cause is blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, doctors may give intravenous immunoglobulins to slow red blood cell breakdown and reduce bilirubin production. Supportive care is also important. Dr Lerato explains that she “always makes sure babies are feeding well and staying hydrated, because this helps bilirubin leave the body in stools and urine.” In some cases where breast milk itself contributes, breastfeeding may need to be paused briefly while bilirubin levels are monitored. Prevention also focuses on good feeding habits. Early and frequent breastfeeding - or supplementing with donor milk or formula if supply is low - helps prevent dehydration and speeds bilirubin clearance. “The more a baby feeds, the more often they pass stools, and that’s the main way bilirubin leaves the body,” she adds. Parents may also hear about sunlight for mild jaundice, but safety is key. Dr Lerato warns that you should “never put your baby in direct sunlight because of the risk of sunburn and eye damage. Instead, place your baby in just a nappy near a sunny window, facing away from the sun, for 20-30 minutes at a time.” She emphasises that home methods should never replace medical care, saying “if you're in doubt, always get your baby’s bilirubin levels checked, because this cannot be done at home. After all, early detection and treatment can make all the difference.” = Sources: *The Mediclinic Infohub - www.mediclinic.co.za; Dr Lerato Masemola - Thari Health Excellence / www.tharihealth.com; www.webmd.com; www.healthline.com