What is the best management for a breastfed baby diagnosed with breast milk jaundice?

Breast milk jaundice is a common condition in breastfed infants, typically occurring in the first week of life and possibly lasting for several weeks. It is often caused by factors in breast milk inhibiting the normal metabolism and elimination of bilirubin.

Continuing breastfeeding is considered the best management option. Breastfeeding provides infants with essential nutrients and immunological benefits. Interrupting breastfeeding for a brief period, such as 24 hours, can help determine whether the jaundice improves, although this is usually not necessary for every case. Many healthcare providers encourage mothers to continue breastfeeding to promote healthy growth and development while monitoring the bilirubin levels in the infant.

Introducing solid foods is not an appropriate management strategy for jaundice, as solid foods are not advised for infants at this early stage of life. Similarly, starting formula feeding immediately may not be necessary; it can be reserved for specific situations where bilirubin levels are excessively high or if there are significant concerns about the infant's feeding. Finally, while consulting a pediatric specialist can be valuable in complex cases or high bilirubin situations, in typical cases of breast milk jaundice, immediate specialist referral is not required. Continuous monitoring and supportive care, including ongoing breastfeeding, is generally deemed sufficient and is the preferred approach.