Though I agree with the approach Carolyn Westcott posted with regard
to normal (not breastmilk) jaundice, I think that calling it a
"problem" is part of the problem.  Jaundice is normal in exclusively
breastfed well gaining babies, as long as they are exclusively
breastfeeding.  Luckily, most times, nobody notices it, and I guess
that's fine, since we know what would happen most of the time if it
was always noticeable.  Since breastfeeding is physiologic, and since
formula feeding is not, and formula feeding babies are not jaundiced,
the problem is that formula feeding decreases bilirubin to levels
which are too low.  Rather than worry mothers about "breastmilk
jaundice" and even admit babies to the hospital, we should be advising
formula feeding mothers to put their babies onto the breast so that
the baby can get his bilirubin levels up to normal.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC