Toward understanding the connections between infant jaundice and infant feeding

J Pediatr Nurs. 2008 Dec;23(6):429-38. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2007.12.002. Epub 2008 May 19.

Abstract

Parents face a paradox when they are told: Breast is best; bottle-feeding is hazardous to health. But breast-fed babies are more likely to become severely jaundiced than bottle-fed babies, and severe jaundice can lead to brain damage. This article will explore the natural physiology of jaundice with a focus on breast-feeding-associated jaundice, primary prevention of hyperbilirubinemia, and current evidence-based recommendations about feeding jaundice breast-fed infants.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bilirubin / metabolism
  • Bottle Feeding
  • Breast Feeding* / adverse effects
  • Breast Feeding* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / etiology
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / physiopathology
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / prevention & control*
  • Kernicterus / etiology
  • Kernicterus / physiopathology
  • Kernicterus / prevention & control

Substances

  • Bilirubin