Breast milk jaundice is not preventable. When the condition does occur, it is very important to recognize that your baby looks yellow as early as possible, and to have bilirubin levels checked right away to make sure that there are no other liver problems.

Breast feeding jaundice (which occurs during the first week of life) can be limited by making sure your baby is getting enough breast milk. Give your baby unlimited time at each breast, and feed approximately 10 to 12 times per day starting from the first day of life. Get help from a lactation consultant or your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any difficulty.