Jaundice 101: Moms and Dads, Know this…

Jaundice affects 60% of newborns, but many cases can be anticipated and managed early with proper prenatal planning. Here’s how expectant parents can reduce risks before delivery:

1. Know Your Risk Factors

Certain conditions increase jaundice likelihood:

• Blood type incompatibility (Mom is Rh-negative or Type O, baby is Rh-positive or Type A/B)

• Family history of severe jaundice or G6PD deficiency

• Gestational diabetes or maternal infection during pregnancy

Ask your OB about:
✔ Coombs test (checks for antibody risks)
✔ Genetic screening for G6PD deficiency if family history exists

2. Plan for Post-Birth Monitoring

• Request bilirubin testing before discharge – don’t rely on visual checks

• Schedule a 24-hour follow-up if delivering early (<38 weeks) or via C-section (higher jaundice risk)

• Learn jaundice signs: Yellow skin progressing downward, poor feeding, excessive sleepiness

3. Optimize Feeding Preparedness

Frequent feeding flushes out bilirubin. Before birth:

• Take a breastfeeding class if planning to nurse

• Have formula samples ready as backup (supplementation may be needed if milk is delayed)

• Identify a lactation consultant to contact post-delivery

4. Advocate for Protocols

• Confirm your hospital:

  • Routinely screens all newborns with transcutaneous bilirubin meters

  • Has phototherapy available on-site (some birth centers transfer out)

• If considering home birth, ensure your midwife carries bilirubin testing equipment

5. Pack a "Jaundice Readiness Kit"

• Digital camera (compare baby’s skin tone to white onesies daily)

• Feeding log template (track wet/dirty diapers + nursing duration)

• Pediatrician’s after-hours contact info

One Key Stat: Babies whose parents knew jaundice risks pre-birth received treatment 2.3 days earlier on average (AAP 2022).