Jeanette,

Thanks for pointing out that not all jaundice is benign.  I agree that
"breastmilk jaundice" is not a disease but it should not be assumed after
two weeks of age in a term infant and three weeks in a pre-term.  Such
infants should have a medical assessment at this age.

To come the the conclusion that jaundice in an full term infant over two
weeks of age is normal/physiological the infant should be:
1)  On breastmilk
2)  Thriving and well
3)  Tested for certain serious conditions that can cause prolonged jaundice
(including biliary atresia (direct bilirubin), hypothyroidism (usually done
with every infant at birth), hemolytic anemia and urinary tract infection).
The physician can be selective with the testing but should always test for
biliary atresia as early treatment is more effective.

All the above conditions are compatible with breastfeeding and it should be
continued irrespective of the findings of the tests.

I hope that this helps.

Khalid Aziz

Khalid Aziz
Memorial University of Newfoundland