How to Care for a Premature Baby With Jaundice: 3 Tips
Newborn care
Jaundice is one of the conditions that commonly appears in newborns. Premature babies are among the groups that often have it. Do not take it lightly, because jaundice can be fatal for a baby if it is not treated quickly. Here is how to care for a premature baby with jaundice.
How to Care for a Premature Baby With Jaundice
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Give More Breast Milk
Breast milk is among the best sources of nutrition for a baby's body. Not only babies born at term but also babies born prematurely need breast milk, and in even larger amounts. Breast milk boosts a baby's immunity, so a baby with jaundice will have good defenses to fight it.
What is more, premature babies must not become dehydrated, and mothers are advised to nurse their babies every 2 hours. The baby should get breast milk at least 8-10 times a day. Fluid intake keeps the baby's body from becoming weak and limp, a condition that is especially dangerous for babies with jaundice.
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Put the Baby in the Morning Sun
One way to care for a premature baby with jaundice is to put the baby in the sun every morning. The vitamin D the baby gets will help clear the jaundice. Use the morning sun, because the midday sun is actually not good for the baby's body.
You can sun the baby from about 06.30 to 09.00, when the sunlight is not too hot, for roughly 15 to 30 minutes. With sun exposure, a baby's jaundice can be resolved. Also check the weather: if it is cloudy during those hours, do not put the baby out in the sun because it will be cold.
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Give Light Therapy
If sunlight does not solve the jaundice, you can consult a doctor. A pediatrician will recommend that your baby get light therapy. This route is quite effective because the light is aimed directly at the baby, so the body can absorb it more fully.
Use this as one way to care for a premature baby with jaundice if the baby's condition is judged to be very dangerous. Jaundice is not a normal condition and must be handled promptly and properly. Jaundice that is not treated quickly can even lead to death.
Those are 3 tips you can follow if your baby is born prematurely and has jaundice. Also see more tips on caring for a newborn at Mitu Baby Care, which covers a range of baby care tips you can apply.
Read also: How to Choose a Good Baby Powder
