Page 16 - 16Neonatal Jaundice_compressed

Neonatal jaundice

ID Recommendations See Chapter/Section
Information for parents or carers on phototherapy

36 Offer parents or carers verbal and written information on phototherapy 8
including all of the following:
• why phototherapy is being considered
• why phototherapy may be needed to treat significant
hyperbilirubinaemia
• the possible adverse effects of phototherapy
• the need for eye protection and routine eye care
• reassurance that short breaks for feeding, nappy changing and cuddles
will be encouraged
• what might happen if phototherapy fails
• rebound jaundice
• potential long-term adverse effects of phototherapy
• potential impact on breastfeeding and how to minimise this.

General care of the baby during phototherapy
37 During phototherapy: 7.2.2, 7.2.3
• place the baby in a supine position unless other clinical conditions
prevent this
• ensure treatment is applied to the maximum area of skin
• monitor the baby’s temperature and ensure the baby is kept in an
environment that will minimise energy expenditure (thermoneutral
environment)
• monitor hydration by daily weighing of the baby and assessing wet
nappies
• support parents and carers and encourage them to interact with the
baby.
38 Give the baby eye protection and routine eye care during phototherapy. 7.2.2
39 Use tinted headboxes as an alternative to eye protection in babies with a 7.2.2
gestational age of 37 weeks or more undergoing conventional ‘blue light’
phototherapy.

Monitoring the baby during phototherapy
40 During conventional ‘blue light’ phototherapy: 7.2.3
• using clinical judgement, encourage short breaks (of up to 30 minutes)
for breastfeeding, nappy changing and cuddles
• continue lactation/feeding support
• do not give additional fluids or feeds routinely.

Maternal expressed milk is the additional feed of choice if available, and
when additional feeds are indicated.
41 During multiple phototherapy: 7.2.3
• do not interrupt phototherapy for feeding but continue administering
intravenous/enteral feeds
• continue lactation/feeding support so that breastfeeding can start again
when treatment stops.
Maternal expressed milk is the additional feed of choice if available, and
when additional feeds are indicated.

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