Newborn Jaundice

What is jaundice?

Jaundice occurs when the infant’s skin becomes yellowish. In infants, jaundice largely begins in the face and can spread towards the legs. As it disappears, it will start to descend from the opposite direction - first from the feet to the face.

what is newborn jaundice?

Newborn jaundice is a common phenomenon that appears in the first days of life following childbirth. Jaundice is caused by an accumulation of bilirubin - which is a substance that is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. If the value in blood increases too much, it can cause brain damage. For this reason, several measures are taken to prevent these situations.

Types of jaundice

There are several types of jaundice, each has different causes. The two main types of jaundice are physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice.

Physiological jaundice

The most common type of jaundice is normal and not dangerous and generally disappears on its own.

Pathological jaundice

Blood incompatibility between mother and infant, abnormal shapes of red blood cells and other disease can cause elevated bilirubin values. Treatment is based on the event that causes the increase in value. For example, in certain cases, light therapy may be needed to lower the bilirubin value. A deficiency in stool (feces) that is caused by insufficient eating can also cause bilirubin values to rise.

Preventing pathological jaundice: this jaundice can be prevented by breastfeeding at the frequency expected for newborns, 10 to 12 times a day. In any case, avoid supplementing water or infant formula, which may affect nursing.

Jaundice after discharge from the hospital

For the most part, bilirubin levels peak on the 5th day of life. Bilirubin continues to rise even after most babies are released from the hospital on day 2-4 of life. The medical staff will provide you with monitoring guidelines. Following these instructions is critical. It is especially important to take the infant for a check-up at the Family Care Center or at your pediatrician, as often as recommended in the instructions given after discharge from the hospital.

Jaundice and circumcision

A diagnosis of jaundice is medically important for both males and females. In addition to the medical implications, jaundice occasionally affects the timing of the circumcision. The question of when to delay the circumcision due to jaundice is a Jewish halachic one. On the one hand, in Jewish law, the circumcision must be performed on the 8th day of life. At the same time, Jewish law rules that if the baby is severely jaundiced, the circumcision may be delayed. Therefore, if jaundice is present, you must discuss this with the mohel and proceed according to his instructions while also following the medical guidelines.

The mohel will occasionally speak to the physician to make sure that the infant is healthy, since according to Jewish law, a circumcision cannot be performed on an infant who is ill.