Gentle, Closely Monitored Treatment
Many newborns develop jaundice in the first week of life, and some need light treatment to lower a high bilirubin level. At Kilkaari Baby Hospital, phototherapy is given under the supervision of paediatric specialists and trained neonatal nurses.
Neonatal Jaundice and Phototherapy
Jaundice is a yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes caused by a high level of bilirubin, a pigment formed when red blood cells break down. Newborns have an immature liver that cannot clear bilirubin quickly, so mild jaundice is common in the first week. When the level rises above the treatment threshold, it needs medical care.
Phototherapy uses blue-green light (about 460 to 490 nm) that changes bilirubin in the skin into water-soluble forms. These are passed in urine and stool without the liver having to process them. It is a standard, non-invasive treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, and high levels need timely treatment to protect the baby’s brain.
Non-invasive
No injections or surgery
Bilirubin-guided
Decisions based on test results
Eye-protected
Soft patches during treatment
NICU-backed
Escalated care within hospital
Which Babies May Need Phototherapy?
Phototherapy depends on bilirubin levels, age, and risk factors.
Early-Onset Neonatal Jaundice
Requires Urgent Evaluation and Bilirubin Assessment
Preterm Birth Before 37 Weeks
Highly relevant to NICU/newborn care.
ABO or Rh Incompatibility
Important cause of early and rapidly rising jaundice.
Persistent or Rapidly Rising Jaundice
Jaundice With an Atypical Clinical Course.
Jaundice within the first 24 hours of life
Early jaundice requires urgent medical evaluation.
Poor feeding or dehydration
Poor feeding increases bilirubin levels.
Our Phototherapy Care for Newborns
Treating jaundice involves more than the light itself. Our team tests bilirubin, adjusts treatment to your baby’s needs, supports feeding and watches for any change in your baby’s condition.
Treatment is planned according to your baby’s clinical condition and the doctor’s assessment.
What Happens During Phototherapy?
Every baby is different, but treatment usually follows these steps.
01
Bilirubin Assessment
The doctor examines your baby and measures the bilirubin level. Age in hours, gestation, weight and risk factors are used to decide whether treatment is needed.
02
Follow-Up Care
When bilirubin falls well below the treatment level, phototherapy is stopped. A repeat test may be advised to check for rebound jaundice.
03
Monitoring Feeding
Temperature, hydration, weight and bilirubin levels are monitored. Feeding continues at regular intervals, and the nurse changes the baby’s position.
04
Phototherapy Initiation
Your baby is placed under the phototherapy light wearing only a nappy, with soft eye patches to protect the eyes.
Support and Guidance for Parents
We guide you through jaundice treatment and simple steps to help your baby recover.
What Parents Can Expect
- Daily progress updates from our doctors
- Bilirubin results and the treatment plan explained clearly
- Supervised feeding and comforting
- Breastfeeding and Expressed Milk Support
- Discharge and Bilirubin Follow-up
Please Do
- Breastfeed or feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours, including at night
- Keep the follow-up appointment for the repeat bilirubin test
- Follow the nurse's guidance on feeding breaks and positioning
Please Avoid
- Do not give water, glucose water or home remedies unless the doctor advises
- Do not remove the eye patches yourself
- Do not rely on sunlight as treatment for jaundice