If your baby has jaundice and you’re breastfeeding, you’re not alone—and you’re probably swimming in a sea of questions. Is breast milk making the Jaundice worse? Should you stop nursing? Or is nursing actually helping your baby get better?
The truth is, breastfeeding and jaundice have a complicated—but manageable—relationship. Understanding the difference between types of jaundice and knowing what steps to take can make all the difference.
What Is Jaundice in Newborns?
Jaundice is super common. Almost all babies have it to some degree, especially in the first week or two. It shows up as a yellowish tint to the skin or eyes and happens when there’s too much bilirubin—a yellow pigment left over when red blood cells break down—circulating in the baby’s body.
Here’s why: Babies are born with more red blood cells than they actually need outside the womb. Once they start breathing on their own, those extra cells start breaking down. The liver helps process the waste (bilirubin), but since a newborn’s liver is still getting up to speed, bilirubin can build up in the bloodstream and settle in the skin.
Preemies are even more likely to get jaundice because their livers are less mature. But for most babies, this kind of jaundice—called physiologic jaundice—is totally normal and clears up on its own in a few days.
Types Of Jaundice In Babies
Physiologic Jaundice
This is the most common type and usually kicks in a day or two after birth. It often peaks around day 3 to 5 and fades away by the end of the first week.
- It’s not dangerous unless bilirubin levels get too high.
- Breastfeeding early and often helps the baby poop more, which clears out bilirubin.
- If bilirubin levels do rise too high, doctors might use phototherapy—those blue “bili lights” or a bili blanket you can use at home—to help break it down.
Pathologic Jaundice (Abnormal Jaundice)
This type is more serious and needs extra attention.
- It can happen within the first 24 hours or later, but it tends to rise faster and go higher than physiologic jaundice.
- It can be caused by prematurity, blood type incompatibility (like Rh or ABO issues), a stressful birth, or certain infections.
- If not treated, high bilirubin levels can harm a baby’s brain.
- Treatments might include phototherapy, IV fluids, or even blood transfusions in extreme cases.
Even in these cases, continuing to breastfeed is encouraged unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Late-Onset Jaundice (Also Called Breast Milk Jaundice)
This usually shows up during the second week and can linger for several weeks.
- It’s linked to substances in your breast milk that may slow down how bilirubin is processed.
- Your baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, gaining weight—just a bit yellow.
- This type is harmless and resolves on its own. There’s no need to stop breastfeeding.
Breast Milk Jaundice: Should You Be Worried?
In most cases, no. Breast milk jaundice isn’t dangerous. Your baby can be perfectly healthy and still look a little yellow for a few weeks. If they’re gaining weight, having enough wet/dirty diapers, and feeding well, this usually isn’t cause for alarm.
That said, your pediatrician will keep tabs on your baby’s bilirubin levels just to be safe. They may suggest things like:
- More frequent feedings
- Pumping to increase milk supply
- Occasionally, brief supplementation
Does Nursing Make Jaundice Better Or Worse?
Here’s the deal: Breast milk itself doesn’t cause jaundice, but it can play a role in how the body clears it.
Breastfeeding Helps Clear Bilirubin When:
- Baby is feeding frequently (8–12 times a day)
- Baby is gaining weight and having regular wet and dirty diapers
- Your milk supply is established and baby’s latch is strong
Jaundice Can Worsen When:
- Baby isn’t getting enough breast milk due to poor latch or low supply
- Feedings are spaced too far apart or too short
- Baby is sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
In those early days, colostrum acts as a natural laxative. The more your baby poops, the more bilirubin they get rid of. So yes—breastfeeding helps as long as it’s going well.
What If Baby Isn’t Getting Enough Milk?
Sometimes jaundice is a sign that baby isn’t getting enough breast milk. Here’s what to look for:
- Fewer than 3–4 wet diapers a day by day 4
- Not pooping at least 3 times a day once your milk is in
- Baby seems too sleepy or disinterested in nursing
- Poor weight gain
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean breastfeeding has to stop. But it’s a good idea to:
- Call your pediatrician
- Work with a lactation consultant
- Consider using a lactation aid (SNS) or pumping until baby latches more effectively
Should You Stop Breastfeeding?
Only rarely, and only temporarily.
If bilirubin levels are dangerously high and not responding to feeding or phototherapy, your doctor might suggest a short pause in breastfeeding. This gives time for bilirubin to drop more quickly. But this is rare and usually only lasts 24–48 hours.
In most cases, the solution is actually more breastfeeding—not less.
How To Prevent Normal Jaundice From Getting Worse
- Nurse as soon after birth as possible
- Keep baby skin-to-skin
- Breastfeed every 2–3 hours
- Babies with Jaundice should not be given water or formula unless advised—your breast milk is the key
- Let baby nurse as long as they want on each side
- Keep baby in a naturally lit room (no direct sun)
- Avoid medications like aspirin or sulfa drugs
If you’re pumping instead of nursing, feed your milk using a spoon, syringe, or cup until baby is ready to latch.
Signs Of Severe Jaundice That Need Medical Attention
Call your doctor if:
- Your baby’s skin looks more yellow instead of less
- The yellow color spreads to arms or legs
- Your baby’s eyes are bright yellow
- Urine looks dark brown
- Baby has pale or white-colored poop
- Baby has a fever over 100°F (37.8°C)
- Baby sleeps too much and is hard to wake
- Baby isn’t eating well
Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, get help.
Final Takeaway: Breastfeeding Is Still The Best Tool You’ve Got
Breast milk jaundice can sound alarming, but it’s usually just a normal part of the early weeks. And it’s not a reason to stop nursing. On the contrary—breastfeeding helps most babies work through jaundice faster.
What matters most is making sure your baby is feeding well and being monitored. You’re doing the right thing by nursing, asking questions, and showing up for your baby.
You’ve got this—and your milk’s doing a lot more good than you think.
References
1. Breast Milk Jaundice — StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf, updated 2023)
This is a medical reference used by healthcare professionals. It clearly defines breast milk jaundice, explains the underlying physiology, and outlines diagnosis and management—all written by board-certified clinicians.
2. Jaundice and Breastfeeding — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, updated 2025)
A trusted public health source providing practical, parent-friendly guidance. This page explains how breastfeeding relates to jaundice, what to monitor, and when to seek medical help—all aligned with current pediatric standards.
3. Breast Milk Jaundice: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology — Medscape (2023)
This clinical overview dives into the biochemistry and risk factors of breast milk jaundice, offering an evidence-based look at why it occurs and confirming that breastfeeding can usually continue safely.
