Breastmilk, Jaundice & Newborn Feeding: What Every Parent Should Know

If you’re here because your baby has jaundice or you're researching newborn feeding before birth — take a deep breath. Jaundice is incredibly common in the first days of life. In fact, 60–80% of healthy, full-term babies will experience some level of jaundice, and most cases resolve naturally with proper feeding and monitoring.

Still, when you're staring at a tiny newborn with yellowish skin and sleepy feeding cues, it's easy to worry. So let’s break down what jaundice is, why it happens, and how breastfeeding plays an important role in supporting your baby through it.

What Is Newborn Jaundice?

Jaundice (medically called neonatal hyperbilirubinemia) happens when bilirubin — a byproduct created as red blood cells break down — builds up faster than a newborn’s liver can process and remove it.

Because babies have immature livers, bilirubin sometimes accumulates in the blood and results in:

• Yellow tint to the skin

• Yellowing of the eyes (sclera)

• Sleepiness or difficulty waking for feeds (in some cases)

  
  

A certain level of jaundice can be normal and expected, especially in breastfeeding infants. But when bilirubin levels climb too high, monitoring and feeding support become important.

Why Feeding Matters

One of the most effective and natural ways to help lower bilirubin levels is frequent, effective feeding — especially breastfeeding. The more a baby feeds, the more they stool. And the more they stool, the more bilirubin exits the body.

✨ Breastfeeding & Jaundice: How Milk Helps Your Baby Clear Bilirubin

Breastfeeding isn’t just nutrition — it’s a biological system perfectly designed to support your newborn's early liver function and digestion. Here’s why it matters:

1. More Poop = Lower Bilirubin

Breast milk stimulates digestion and bowel movements.

And the secret superpower?

👉 Colostrum is a natural laxative.

This helps newborns pass meconium quickly — which contains bilirubin.

2. Hydration Matters

Breast milk provides ideal hydration to support liver function and metabolism. Dehydration can slow bilirubin clearance — so frequent feedings help keep things moving.

3. Early Milk Is Medicine, Not Just Food

Colostrum is packed with antibodies, gut-supportive components, and bioactive properties that help your baby:

• Regulate digestion

• Process bilirubin more efficiently

• Establish healthy gut flora

4. On-Demand Feeding Supports Regulation

Feeding on your baby’s cues (not on a schedule) encourages:

• Frequent intake

• Higher milk transfer

• Better bilirubin elimination

  
  

Even if your baby is sleepy from jaundice, gentle feeding support — skin-to-skin, hand expression, breast compressions, and positioning support — can make a significant difference.

🛑 What About Formula for Jaundice?

A common myth is that switching to formula will “fix jaundice.” But research shows the opposite — exclusive breastfeeding is associated with better bilirubin regulation long-term because of its biological and digestive benefits.

Formula may temporarily increase intake volume, but it does not reduce bilirubin more effectively than breast milk.

Breast milk remains the most supportive and biologically appropriate feeding method during jaundice unless a medical plan specifies otherwise.

When Should You Reach Out for Help?

While jaundice can be normal, there are times when extra support is needed — especially if:

• Baby is very sleepy and difficult to wake for feeds

• Baby is not having frequent wet and dirty diapers

• Feedings are painful, shallow, or ineffective

• You feel unsure, overwhelmed, or unsupported

  
  

You do not have to navigate feeding challenges alone — and early support can prevent exhaustion, dehydration, and hospital readmission.

You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

Jaundice doesn’t mean your baby isn’t getting enough or that your body isn’t “working.”

It means your baby’s body is still learning — and feeding support helps them thrive through that process.

We’re Here to Help!

At Milk + Honey Lactation & Infant Feeding, we support families through every stage of feeding, including jaundice monitoring, weight checks, breastfeeding troubleshooting, pumping guidance, and feeding plans.

Whether you’re:

• Expecting and preparing

• In the thick of newborn life

• Navigating feeding challenges

—we’re here with compassionate, evidence-based care.

📍 Serving Delaware & surrounding areas

💻 Virtual appointments available

🍼 Insurance accepted

👉 You can book your appointment anytime at milkandhoneylactation.com