Why is my baby jaundiced?

Bilirubin : Most babies get some jaundice (yellow color to the skin and eyes) in the first week of life.This is due to immaturity of the liver, and a relative inability to break down old red blood cells.....Babies also lose weight for the first few days after birth, and the mild dehydration can increase the jaundice. Bilirubin levels should be measured in the hospital and within 48 hrs by your pediatrician.

Increased bilirubin: Jaundice is the yellowish color of the skin, a coloring that can also be seen in the eyes. The color is caused by increased levels of "bilirubin" in the body. Increased bilirubin occurs if the body cannot get rid of the normal amount of bilirubin produced inside the body each day, and/or the body is producing extra amounts of bilirubin. Doctors can decide if the jaundice is normal or a problem.

Increased bilirubin: After the umbilical cord is clamped, the work of recycling old blood cells by taking apart proteins, shifts from mom to baby.Some of the work backs up& a protein called bilirubin causes yellow color under the skin that peaks about 4days.In time the liver works faster & the color fades. Some conditions conditions produce high levels that can hurt baby. Check with your doctor if to be sure.