Many drs. will promote ABM and D/C BF or complement it with ABM because the
calories and protein will "line the infants intestines" and decrease chances
of reabsorption and recycling of the bilirubin.  That is why water or GW ( a
big 6 cal./oz) can increase chances of increasing bilirubin levels.  What
they do not realize, if babies will nurse frequently the initial  milk is
very high in proteins and additionally does have the laxative effect getting
rid of the meconium ( highly ladened with bilirubin).  Breastmilk also has
lactalbumin beneficial when unconjugated fat-soluble bilirubin travels
through the vascular system and is looking to attach to albumin sites. I have
done home phototherapy for many years with successful results continuing
infant with BF.  One of the keys is to make sure mother maintains a good milk
supply and baby is nursing frequently.   Mother just needs alittle education
and support that it is not her breastmilk that is causing the jaundice.  (
but the lack of her breastmilk in the case of physiologic jaundice)

From one who is finally seeing less and less of home phototherapy being done,
many drs. waiting until 18mg-20mg to treat.  YAAAAA
Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
Naperville, IL