What is a common cause of breastfeeding jaundice?

Breastfeeding jaundice commonly arises due to insufficient milk intake leading to dehydration in the newborn. When an infant does not receive enough breast milk, it can result in inadequate caloric intake, which affects the infant’s ability to clear bilirubin effectively. Bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells, is normally processed by the liver and excreted through the gastrointestinal tract.

In the context of insufficient milk intake, the infant may experience inadequate stooling, which means less bilirubin is eliminated from the body. As hydration decreases, the concentration of bilirubin can rise, contributing to jaundice. It is important for caregivers to ensure that breastfeeding infants are feeding frequently and effectively to support their hydration needs and facilitate the excretion of bilirubin.