Do newborns with jaundice need to be fed water?
Neonatal jaundice does not require the feeding of water. Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms during the newborn period, especially in early newborns. It can be a symptom that appears during the normal development process of a newborn, or it can be an indication of certain diseases, with severe cases possibly leading to brain damage. Generally, about 80% of full-term infants can be observed to have jaundice with the naked eye. It is important for newborns with jaundice to differentiate between physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. If it is physiological jaundice, no intervention is needed. However, if it is pathological jaundice, it is necessary to investigate the related causes and then manage it timely. Sometimes parents might hear that good bowel and urinary functions might lessen jaundice, and this is true. If the child has fewer bowel movements and less urine, and if feeding is insufficient, the jaundice can worsen. Therefore, in newborns, especially early newborns, it is crucial to ensure adequate feeding. Generally, if the baby is breastfed, the water content in breast milk is usually sufficient, so there is no need to add extra water. Additionally, if breast milk is not sufficient, ensuring the baby’s nutrition is important, and supplementing with some formula may be appropriate. It is generally recommended to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months without adding any other special foods or medicines, unless there are special medical indications. Thus, neonatal jaundice does not require the feeding of water.
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