1. Why Physiological Jaundice Is Common in Malaysian Newborns
Up to 60% of full-term newborns and 80% of premature babies in Malaysia develop physiological jaundice between Day 2 and Day 5 of life. Because a newborn’s liver is still maturing, red blood cell breakdown produces unconjugated bilirubin faster than the body can excrete it.
"Never stop breastfeeding or give plain water to a jaundiced newborn. Frequent breastmilk feeds are the single best natural way to flush bilirubin out through your baby’s stool." — Dr. Amirul Hakim, Consultant Paediatrician
2. Why Frequent Colostrum Feeding Clears Bilirubin Faster
Bilirubin is cleared primarily through your baby’s bowel movements (meconium). Colostrum acts as a natural laxative—nursing 8 to 12 times every 24 hours prevents dehydration, stimulates gut motility, and stops bilirubin from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
3. G6PD Deficiency & When Phototherapy Is Needed
All Malaysian newborns are screened at birth via cord blood for G6PD deficiency. Avoid exposing your baby to mothballs (naphthalene), traditional herbal powders, or medicated oils, and follow your clinic’s TSB blood test schedule closely to start blue-light phototherapy promptly if levels cross the threshold.
