Critical “Jaundice” Questions to ask Your Doc…

Jaundice is common but can become dangerous quickly. Arm yourself with these essential questions to protect your newborn:

At the Hospital:

1. "What is my baby’s bilirubin number?" (Get the exact level, not just "a little high")

2. "Are you using a transcutaneous meter or blood test?" (Blood tests are more accurate)

3. "Does my baby need phototherapy now?" (Thresholds vary by age-in-hours)

Before Discharge:

1. "When will bilirubin peak for my baby?" (Day 3-5 is typical, but earlier for preemies)

2. "What symptoms warrant an ER return?" (Yellow below knees, poor feeding, arching)

3. "When is our next bilirubin check?" (Must be within 24 hours if levels are borderline)

For High-Risk Cases:

1. "Could blood type incompatibility be a factor?" (Rh/ABO issues cause rapid rises)

2. "Should we supplement feeding?" (Every 2-hour feeds may be needed)

At Follow-Ups:

1. "Are you tracking the bilirubin nomogram?" (Levels must be plotted by hour-specific charts)

2. "What’s our plan if levels keep rising?" (Demand concrete next steps)

Red Flag Responses:

🚩 "It’s just normal jaundice" (All jaundice requires monitoring)
🚩 "We’ll wait and see" (Bilirubin never waits)
🚩 "Don’t worry" (Parents’ instincts catch 30% of missed cases)

Bring This Checklist to appointments. Doctors respect engaged parents—it could prevent kernicterus.