Is there a parent education pamphlet out there on
bilirubin? What it is? How we identify it? How we
fix it?
For that matter, does anyone know of a basic article
for a non-medical professional like me who has always
been mystified by bilirubin and can't quite figure out
how to present it in class.

What I have been taught tells me that bilirubin is
not uncommon among newborns. If the bilirubin levels
get high enough it can lead to brain damage which is
why we treat so conservatively in the US (I have no
idea what practices are in other countries). Are there
problems with treating so conservatively (i.e. putting
under the lights early and often, and of course,
interrupting bf and the slightest excuse.)
I also understand that it is rarely necessary to
stop bf to solve the problem and I tell my chilbirth
classes that if a doc recommends to stop nursing they
should get a second opionion from another doc or
an LC. Can someone explain to me when, if ever, it
is appropriate to stop nursing for a bit?

Any help or references would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
  Naomi Bar-Yam

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