Yes, increasing milk intake can help lower bilirubin levels in newborns.
How Does Milk Help Reduce Bilirubin?
The primary mechanism by which milk, specifically breast milk, can lower bilirubin involves promoting regular bowel movements. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When a baby is born, their liver is still developing and may not be as efficient at processing bilirubin, leading to jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Here's a breakdown:
- Bilirubin Excretion: Bilirubin is eliminated from the body primarily through the stool.
- Increased Milk Intake: Nursing or pumping more frequently, such as up to 12 times a day, increases the amount of milk a baby consumes. This leads to more bowel movements.
- Efficient Excretion: More frequent bowel movements help to flush out bilirubin from the baby's system.
| Action | Effect on Bilirubin |
|---|---|
| Increased Milk Intake | Decrease |
| Frequent Bowel Movements | Increase Bilirubin Excretion |
Breastfeeding vs Formula
While formula can provide nutrition, it's generally advised to continue breastfeeding if possible. Here's why:
- Breast milk benefits: Breast milk contains components that aid in digestion and bowel movements, assisting in bilirubin reduction.
- Formula consideration: In cases where breastfeeding is challenging, consult your doctor before introducing formula, as breast milk is optimal for bilirubin management.
Key Takeaways
- Increased feeding frequency (up to 12 times a day) can boost milk intake and aid in lowering bilirubin levels.
- More milk leads to more frequent bowel movements.
- Bowel movements eliminate bilirubin from the body.
- Breastfeeding is recommended as the first line of action for addressing jaundice.
- Consult a healthcare professional before making changes to feeding methods.
