Information for the public
Information and support
If you have just had a baby, the doctor or midwife should tell you about jaundice, and offer information that is appropriate for you. The information should include:
-
the fact that jaundice is common, and usually short‑lasting and harmless
-
what makes it more likely that a baby might develop significant jaundice
-
how to check your baby for jaundice
-
what to do if you think your baby might have jaundice
-
why it is important to check your baby's nappies for dark urine or pale chalky stools
-
why it is important to recognise jaundice in the first 24Â hours and, if you think your baby has jaundice during this time, to speak to a member of your healthcare team about it straight away
-
reassurance about continuing to breastfeed.
Feeding your baby
If you are breastfeeding your baby, you should be encouraged to breastfeed regularly, and to wake your baby for feeds if necessary. If your baby looks jaundiced you should be offered support to help you breastfeed successfully. There is advice on this in NICE's guideline on postnatal care.