What is the method to reduce neonatal jaundice?

As we all know, jaundice is a relatively common pediatric disease. The occurrence of jaundice can easily endanger the health of newborns. Therefore, we recommend that parents should get more information about jaundice. Parents should not only know the symptoms of jaundice, but also know how to help newborns treat jaundice. Below we will talk about the methods to reduce jaundice in newborns.

Breastfeeding to reduce jaundice

Breastfeed as early as possible. The earlier you feed your baby, the earlier the meconium will be discharged. Meconium contains a lot of bilirubin. If the discharge of meconium is delayed or not completely discharged, the bilirubin will be reabsorbed into the blood through the baby's special enterohepatic circulation, making jaundice worse. Breastfeeding as early as possible can also allow the baby to get enough calories. In addition, you should also give your baby enough water to ensure that the baby urinates 6 to 8 times a day. Low water intake and too little urination are not conducive to the excretion of bilirubin.

Sunbathing to reduce yellowing

Natural light has all wavelengths, some of which can convert bilirubin into other hydrolyzable substances that facilitate excretion, reducing the amount of bilirubin in the body. Therefore, exposure to sunlight can more or less reduce the degree of jaundice. It is best to let the baby's skin be exposed to the sun, mainly the back of the head, back and buttocks. It is best to choose before 11 am, generally for about 10 to 20 minutes. Cover the baby's eyes with a light-proof black cloth to protect the eyes, keep warm, and do not sunburn the baby's skin.

“Light therapy” to reduce jaundice

Depending on the degree of jaundice in your baby, you may need to take phototherapy in the hospital to reduce jaundice, which is what we usually call "blue light exposure". It needs to be done in the hospital. Put on an eye mask to protect the baby's eyes, wrap a diaper to protect the genitals, and expose the rest of the body to the phototherapy device. The skin absorbs light waves and acts on bilirubin in the blood, promoting the excretion of bilirubin to achieve the purpose of reducing jaundice. Blue light exposure is a simple and effective method to reduce the serum bilirubin of newborns. It has been used for decades at home and abroad and is effective and safe.