Piliya (jaundice) in newborns is extremely common - about 60% of babies develop it in their first week of life - and most cases resolve naturally without treatment. Jaundice causes a yellowish color in baby's skin and eyes due to bilirubin buildup. This complete guide helps Indian parents understand when jaundice is normal, how to care for baby at home, and when to seek medical help.
What is Newborn Jaundice?
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
Jaundice happens when bilirubin (a yellow substance from red blood cell breakdown) builds up in baby's blood. The newborn liver is still maturing and may take a few days to efficiently process bilirubin.
Reassuring fact: In most babies, jaundice is a normal part of adjusting to life outside the womb and goes away on its own within 1-2 weeks.
Types of Jaundice in Newborns
1. Physiological Jaundice (Sabse Common)
Appears on day 2-4 of life
Peaks at day 3-5
Resolves by 1-2 weeks
Treatment: Usually none needed
2. Breastfeeding Jaundice
Occurs in first week
Caused by baby not getting enough maa ka doodh
Solution: Increase feeding frequency
3. Breast Milk Jaundice
Appears after first week
Can last 4-12 weeks
Baby is healthy otherwise
Do not stop breastfeeding
4. Pathological Jaundice (Needs Attention)
Appears within 24 hours of birth
Rises very quickly
May indicate underlying condition
Requires immediate evaluation
Step-by-Step Guide: Managing Jaundice at Home
Step 1: Recognize the Signs
Check for jaundice using the "blanching test":
Press gently on baby's skin (forehead, nose, chest)
Look at the color when you release
If it looks yellowish, baby may have jaundice
Where to check:
Start with face (mild jaundice)
Then chest and stomach (moderate)
Arms, legs, palms, soles (more significant - see doctor)
Best lighting: Check in natural daylight near a window
Step 2: Feed Frequently
This is the MOST important thing you can do!
Breastfed babies:
Feed 8-12 times in 24 hours (har 2-3 ghante)
Wake baby for feeds if sleeping more than 3 hours
Ensure proper latch for effective milk transfer
Watch for signs of good feeding (audible swallowing, wet/dirty diapers)
Why feeding helps:
Milk helps baby pass stools
Bilirubin leaves body through poop
More feeding = more pooping = lower bilirubin
Step 3: Monitor Baby's Output
Signs baby is getting enough milk:
Day of Life
Wet Diapers
Dirty Diapers
Day 1-2
1-2
1-2 (meconium)
Day 3-4
3-4
3+ (transitional)
Day 5+
6+
3-4 (yellow, seedy)
Poop color matters:
Yellow, seedy = Good!
Green = Usually okay
White/pale/clay-colored = See doctor immediately
Step 4: Follow Up as Advised
Get bilirubin checked before hospital discharge
Attend follow-up appointment (usually within 1-3 days of discharge)
Keep all check-up appointments even if baby looks better
The Sunlight Myth: What Indian Parents Should Know
Many families believe putting baby in sunlight treats jaundice. Here's the truth:
Limited truth:
Indirect sunlight through a window for 10-15 minutes may help mildly
Morning sunlight (7-9 AM) is safest
Important warnings:
Never place baby in direct harsh sunlight - risk of sunburn and overheating
Don't undress baby in cold room for sun exposure
Home sunlight is NOT a substitute for phototherapy
Don't delay medical treatment hoping sun will work
Hospital phototherapy is:
Much more effective
Controlled and safe
The right treatment for significant jaundice
When to Go to the Hospital Immediately
Rush to hospital if you notice:
Jaundice appearing within first 24 hours of birth
Yellow color reaching palms of hands and soles of feet
Baby is very sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds
Baby refuses to feed or feeds poorly
High-pitched, unusual crying
Baby seems limp or has unusual muscle tone
Fever
Baby appears sick
Red flags that need urgent attention:
Any jaundice in premature baby
Jaundice getting worse instead of better
Baby had blood group incompatibility with mother
Hospital Treatment Options
Phototherapy (Most Common)
Baby lies under special blue lights
Lights break down bilirubin in skin
Very safe and effective
Eyes protected with special covers
Can often breastfeed during treatment
Usually 1-2 days
Exchange Transfusion (Rare)
Only for very severe cases
Partial blood replacement
Done in NICU
Very rare when jaundice is caught early
Tips for Success
Trust the process - Most jaundice resolves naturally
Keep feeding - Even if baby seems sleepy, wake for feeds
Track everything - Feedings, wet diapers, poop color
Stay informed - Know what to watch for
Don't skip follow-ups - Even if baby looks better
Ask questions - No question is silly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Giving water or glucose water to "flush out" jaundice (breast milk is what works!)
Reducing breastfeeding - You should feed MORE, not less
Relying only on home sunlight for significant jaundice
Delaying follow-up because baby "looks fine"
Panicking - Most jaundice is normal and treatable
Ignoring pale stools - This needs immediate attention
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Mera baby bahut peela lag raha hai - kya ye serious hai?
A: Mild yellowness on face and chest appearing after day 2 is usually normal physiological jaundice. However, if yellowness has spread to arms, legs, and especially palms and soles, or if baby is very sleepy/feeding poorly, see a doctor immediately. When in doubt, get baby checked.
Q: Kya breastfeeding band kar deni chahiye?
A: No! In most cases, you should breastfeed MORE frequently. Maa ka doodh helps baby pass stools which removes bilirubin. Only in very rare cases does a doctor advise a brief pause. Never stop breastfeeding without doctor's advice.
Q: Hospital mein phototherapy ke liye admit karna padega kya?
A: It depends on bilirubin levels. Many hospitals now offer in-room phototherapy where you can stay with baby. Some cases need just a day of light therapy. Your doctor will advise based on baby's specific situation.
Q: Dhoop kitni der dikhani chahiye?
A: If using indirect sunlight, 10-15 minutes of morning sun through a window is enough. Don't leave baby in direct sunlight or for prolonged periods. Remember, home sunlight is not a replacement for medical treatment if bilirubin is high.
Q: Jaundice se brain damage ho sakta hai kya?
A: Severe untreated jaundice with very high bilirubin can rarely cause brain damage (kernicterus). This is exactly why monitoring is important. With proper follow-up and timely treatment when needed, this complication is preventable. Don't let this scare you - just ensure you keep follow-up appointments.
Q: Second baby ko bhi jaundice hoga kya?
A: Not necessarily. Each pregnancy and baby is different. However, if your first baby had significant jaundice, inform your doctor so they can monitor your next baby closely.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Newborn jaundice is common and usually harmless, but when in doubt, always consult your healthcare provider.
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