When My Newborn Had Jaundice and How We Got Through It 🤍

The first few days after delivery are emotional, overwhelming, and fragile. You’re healing, your baby is brand new, and every small thing suddenly feels big. For us, that big thing was jaundice.

My baby had mild jaundice (Bilirubin was 8.3) when he was born. The doctors told us that phototherapy was not needed at that point and that the bilirubin levels should come down on their own in a few days. They suggested keeping the baby under sunlight if possible, not direct sunlight, just mild exposure.

Sounds simple, right? But reality was different.

Because of my health, recovery, and the overall situation at home, we were not able to give him proper sunlight. Days passed and his bilirubin levels were still not coming down the way we hoped. Every report made my heart sink a little.

Then came the sentence every parent dreads. "If it doesn’t improve, we may need to keep him in the nursery.”

That fear is something only parents understand.

What We Did Next 💡

This is where my husband truly stepped up. When things get stressful, he becomes research mode on. Calm, focused, determined. He read, asked around, and looked for safe alternatives we could discuss with our doctor.

He immediately got a lamp. After discussing and being cautious, we tried something simple at home.

We removed the baby’s clothes and kept him under the warm light of the lamp, making sure:

• The light was not too close

• The room was warm

• His eyes were protected

• He was comfortable at all times

We did this twice a day for about 3 to 4 days.

And honestly mama, the results surprised us.

His bilirubin levels dropped below 7.

No nursery stay.

No phototherapy.

Just pure relief.

That moment felt like we could finally breathe again 🤍

I’ve shared the link to the lamp we used here, only because it helped us during a mild jaundice phase. Please note that this is not a replacement for medical phototherapy and should always be used only after discussing with your pediatrician.

👉 https://amzn.to/45LjfoB

(This is our personal experience with mild newborn jaundice. This should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before trying any home support methods. Hospital phototherapy is necessary when advised by a doctor.)

A Few Important Things I Want You to Know

Please read this part carefully.

• Always follow your pediatrician’s advice first

• Every baby is different

• What worked for us may not work for everyone

• Never try anything extreme or unsafe

  
  

Our baby had mild jaundice only. This is not a replacement for medical phototherapy when it is required. If doctors recommend hospital treatment, please go for it without delay.

Additional Gentle Tips for Newborn Jaundice 🤍

These helped us alongside everything else:

• Feed the baby frequently. Breastfeeding helps flush bilirubin

• Keep the baby well hydrated

• Monitor poop and urine output

• Keep follow-up appointments without skipping

• Stay calm. Stress makes everything harder

  
  

And most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off, ask questions. There is no such thing as asking too much when it comes to your baby.

A Note From One Mom to Another 💛

Those early days are tough. You are healing, learning, worrying, and loving all at once. Jaundice can feel scary but in most cases, it is manageable with the right guidance and care.

We were scared too. We cried. We Googled. We worried. But we got through it.

And you will too 🤍

(This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products that I have personally used and found helpful in my motherhood journey.)

Love,

Rashi