It is essentially a sign that the baby is digesting breast milk properly, but their liver is still learning how to keep up with the recycling process.

Breast milk jaundice is a , not a disease. It is a sign that your baby is getting plenty of breast milk. With monitoring and support, you can continue to breastfeed confidently while the condition resolves naturally over time.

It is vital to distinguish between these two conditions, as their causes and treatments differ significantly. Breastfeeding (Suboptimal Intake) Jaundice Breast Milk Jaundice (BMJ) First 2–5 days of life After 4–7 days (Late-onset) Primary Cause Insufficient milk intake/dehydration Substances in breast milk Infant Status May show weight loss and low energy Thriving, gaining weight well Duration Usually resolves within 2 weeks Can last 3–12 weeks Potential Causes

The management of breast milk jaundice typically involves:

where a breastfed baby develops high levels of bilirubin (yellow pigment) in the blood during the first few weeks of life. It is distinct from other types of jaundice and typically resolves on its own without stopping breastfeeding.

Seeing a yellow tint in your newborn’s eyes or skin can be alarming for any parent. While jaundice is very common in newborns, you may have heard the term "breast milk jaundice."

The diagnosis of breast milk jaundice is typically made based on a combination of: