Is it normal for baby to have jaundice at three weeks?

My baby had jaundice and went through the phototherapy treatment.Previously the level was at 272.After the treatment it went down to 192 and the doctor said that we could take him home.His yellow colour is reducing but it's now thee weeks and when i press his face i still see a little bit of yellow and at the edge of his eye white is looks yellowish.He's being breast fed and feed regularly...about 2-3 hourly.Is this normal at three weeks?

thanks for all the answers.I can't remember how many time he poop but it is at least 6 times a day and is mustard coloured.Will be checking with the doctors again tomorrow.Don't know why the doctor ask me to take him back at that level.i thought it was ok as i read that the level will peak at the 7-8 day and will come done gradually.Anyway thanks agian u guys and gals.

yes, it can be normal to continue with the jaundice at 3 weeks.... but you should make sure that your doctor says that as well. is he/she peeing and pooping and having 10 or more dirty diapers a day? that is really the most important obstacle in overcoming the jaundice.

check with your peds doctor... my little ones did the same thing, but it was considered normal back then

There are some things to be concerned about.

Read the family doctor page below for more details on jaundice.

Also feel free to call your pediatrition. They are used to answering new mother questions.

Hire a postpartum doula. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics - dona.org.

Good Luck

It is NOT normal for your baby to be jaundiced at 3 weeks. The initial level you reported was quite high. Did anyone explain the cause (I know physiological newborn jaundice is common, but that level indicates maybe and ABO incompatability, extreme prematuarity, etc). The level that he let you take your baby home is very high. Phototherapy should have been continued until levels were below 15. You don't say you had any followup levels drawn, and if you didn't, well that's a crime. There are A LOT of theories about breast feeding and jaundice. The ultimate goal though, is for the baby to poop (which he does frequently with breast feeding) and make sure levels decrease and you know the reason if they are not. Some encourage alternating bottle and breast. (The theory being there is an enzyme in breast milk that inhibits the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin) Has anyone even explained to you what jaundice is and what's going on in your baby's body? I wish you luck and good fortune.