A yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membrane, and the “whites” of the eye, a symptom of hyperbilirubinemia, which appears for unknown causes in some infants who are breastfeeding. See jaundice.
An exaggerated physiological jaundice of the newborn. It may result initially from hemoconcentration due to inadequate fluid intake.
Hyperbilirubinemia resulting from pregnanediol or free fatty acids that inhibit bilirubin conjugation. Serum bilirubin level usually peaks above 20 ml/dl by 14 to 21 days of age. Some pediatricians recommend stopping breastfeeding for 24 to 36 hr if the level exceeds 20 ml/dl. If the infant’s bilirubin level drops rapidly, the mother may resume nursing.