Can Breastfeeding Make Baby's Eyes Yellow? Know the Facts!

Yellow baby's eyes are a common condition in newborns. Besides the eyes, the skin will also appear yellow. This is because of high bilirubin levels in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells.

Jaundice or jaundice in babies can go away on its own in a few days, but it can also last a long time. This condition is often experienced in breastfed babies. Two jaundice associated with breastfeeding, namely breast milk jaundice and breastfeeding jaundice.
Jaundice from breast milk

Yellow breast or breast milk (ASI) has yellow and yellow symptoms. The baby's eyes on his body will survive after the disappearance of physiological jaundice. This condition can occur in healthy babies for months and breastfeeding. Yellow breast occurs three weeks after birth.

Causes of jaundice Jaundice is not known with certainty. This may be due to the presence of substances in breast milk that inhibit the degradation of bilirubin. Breast milk jaundice is more common in children with a family history of similar complaints.

Yellow babies, due to jaundice, milk does not need to stop taking milk. This condition does not indicate any abnormality in breast milk produced by the mother. During breastfeeding, the baby's bilirubin levels will gradually decrease.

Jaundice in the eyes of a baby can last up to 14 days. Yellow in infants can also last until the age of 3 to 12 weeks. This situation is not dangerous as long as the bilirubin level is controlled and the baby is still receiving adequate nutrition.

Actual jaundice in breast milk is rare. In babies who appear yellow, the doctor will ensure that the baby receives enough milk. If the milk is sufficient but the baby continues to turn yellow, this condition may be caused by yellow breast milk.
Jaundice in breastfeeding

The eyes of jaundice with jaundice during breastfeeding are often compared to jaundice in breast milk. In fact, both are caused by different things. Jaundice due to breastfeeding is due to inadequate milk intake in infants.

Milk intake plays an important role in increasing the stool in infants, because it helps eliminate bilirubin that accumulates in the body. If there is no feces, bilirubin accumulation will be absorbed into the bloodstream. In addition, this disease also inhibits the release of meconium, which contains a lot of bilirubin.

Breastfeeding jaundice usually occurs in the first week after the baby is born, usually 3-4 days after birth, unlike breast milk jaundice that lasts longer. This condition will disappear by itself if the baby absorbs enough milk.

Babies with jaundice while breastfeeding are encouraged to continue to drink breast milk. Breastfeeding most often can increase milk production in the mother and also increase calorie intake in infants. In addition, breast milk can prevent dehydrated babies. This of course plays a role in reducing the condition of baby's skin and yellow eyes.
Management of breast jaundice and breast jaundice

At a baby bilirubin level below 20 mg / dL, the following steps can be performed on healthy infants and ultimately:

Increase your milk intake more often, up to 8-12 times a day. Increased consumption will increase fecal and bilirubin expenditure.
Make sure the baby feeds properly while breastfeeding. This prevents the baby from getting the milk it needs.
Consult with your doctor to find out if babies need supplements to increase their nutritional intake. At bilirubin levels above 15-20 mg / dL, light therapy may be needed for your baby.

If your baby suffers from jaundice, see a doctor immediately to make sure his condition is getting proper treatment