Breastfeeding and Jaundice Jaundice is due to a buildup in the blood of bilirubin, a yellow pigment which comes from the breakdown of old red blood cells. It is normal for red blood cells to break down, but the bilirubin formed does not usually cause jaundice because the liver metabolizes it and gets rid of it into the gut.
Jaundice All babies develop elevated serum bilirubin (SBR) levels, to a greater or lesser degree, in the first week of life. This is due to increased production (accelerated red blood cell breakdown), decreased removal (transient liver enzyme insufficiency), and increased reabsorption (enterohepatic circulation).
Jaundice Information Jaundice: Parts affected, Related symptoms, Associations, Prevention and possible actions.
