Because bilirubin has a pigment, or coloring, it causes a yellowing of the baby s skin and tissues. As liver function matures, the jaundice goes away. A premature infant is more likely to develop jaundice. The yellow tint to the skin can often be seen by gently pressing on the baby s forehead or chest and watching the color return. Some develop breast milk jaundice in the first week due to low calorie intake or dehydration.
Treatment often includes using special lights called phototherapy.
Babies with severe jaundice may need hospitalization and blood transfusions. Babies with jaundice may have feeding problems and be irritable or listless. Call your baby s physician if your baby has any of these signs. As the baby begins to breathe air, the color changes to red. This redness normally begins to fade in the first day.