>I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but reasearch is clear that formula
>(especially elemental formula)  DOES reduce bilirubin faster than human milk!


First of all, thanks to all who answered my questions about bilirubin.
It was very helpful.

Your answers have raised a couple of other questions for me:
1. If we assume that breastfeeding is the norm, why is it better
to get rid of the bilirubin faster? Are there advantages to letting
the system get rid of bilirubin at its own pace.

2. Along those same lines, if it affects 80% of babies,
then perhaps, as someone else suggested, we should be worried
about the kids who don't have bilirubin.

3. Are bilirubin levels pretty similar in other parts of the
world as well? If not, do we know what causes variations?

4. Is it true that very high bilirubins over a long period can
cause brain damage?

5. How common is "breastmilk jaundice?"


Thanks,
  Naomi Bar-Yam

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