Welcoming a new baby into the world—especially through surrogacy—is an emotional and much-awaited experience. As an intended parent, you may be preparing for every detail, from choosing the perfect car seat to arranging newborn care. Amidst all the excitement, it’s natural to feel concerned when you hear medical terms like jaundice mentioned by your doctor or pediatrician.
Rest assured—jaundice in newborns is common, usually harmless, and easily treatable. Let’s walk through what jaundice is, why it happens, how often it occurs, and what to expect if your baby develops it.
What Is Newborn Jaundice?
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes in newborns. It’s caused by a build-up of a substance called bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and helps eliminate it from the body. But in newborns, especially those only a few days old, the liver is still maturing and may not be efficient enough yet.
As a result, bilirubin can temporarily accumulate in the blood, leading to the familiar yellow tint of jaundice.
How Common Is Jaundice in Newborns?
Jaundice is actually very common—affecting more than 60% of all newborns to some degree. In premature babies, the number is even higher, with nearly 80% experiencing some level of jaundice.
It typically appears within the first 2 to 5 days after birth and often resolves on its own within two weeks. That said, it’s still important to monitor bilirubin levels to ensure they don’t get too high, as extremely elevated levels can pose health risks if untreated.
What Causes Jaundice?
There are several reasons a newborn might develop jaundice, many of which are perfectly normal. Here are the most common causes:
- Physiological jaundice – The most frequent type, due to immature liver function in the first few days of life.
- Breastfeeding jaundice – Sometimes occurs in the first week if a baby isn’t feeding well or isn’t getting enough breast milk. (* Not common in babies born via surrogacy as surrogate partners don’t normally breastfeed and there is a low incidence of induced lactation in intended mothers)
- Breast milk jaundice – A longer-lasting but harmless type, due to substances in breast milk that can temporarily affect bilirubin processing (* Not common in babies born via surrogacy as surrogate partners don’t normally breastfeed and there is a low incidence of induced lactation in intended mothers).
- Blood type incompatibility – If the baby’s blood type is different from the surrogate carrier’s, the body may break down red blood cells more quickly.
- Prematurity – Premature babies often have even more immature liver function, making jaundice more likely.
- Bruising during birth – Excess bruising can lead to more red blood cell breakdown, and therefore more bilirubin.
** In some rare cases, jaundice may signal an underlying condition, but this is uncommon and usually caught quickly during early pediatric evaluations.
How Is Jaundice Treated?
In most cases, no treatment is necessary. Mild jaundice typically resolves naturally as the baby begins feeding well and their liver function improves.
For moderate to severe cases, treatment options include:
- Phototherapy – The most common treatment, where the baby is placed under special blue lights that help break down bilirubin in the skin.
- Feeding support – Encouraging regular feeding to promote bilirubin elimination through stool.
- In rare cases, additional interventions like IV fluids or even a blood exchange may be recommended, but this is exceedingly uncommon and only considered when bilirubin levels are dangerously high.
Sunlight and Jaundice: Fact vs. Myth
It’s not a myth that light can help break down bilirubin (the substance that causes jaundice). In fact, this is the science behind phototherapy, the standard hospital treatment using special blue light. Natural sunlight contains this kind of light, so in theory, brief, controlled exposure could help mild jaundice.
However, here’s why it’s not recommended as a primary treatment today:
- Risk of sunburn: Newborns have extremely sensitive skin and can burn quickly, even through a window.
- Inconsistent light: The intensity and spectrum of natural sunlight vary based on time of day, weather, and window glass (which can block UV rays).
- Lack of medical control: Phototherapy provides a consistent, measurable dose of light—sunlight doesn’t.
* Some pediatricians may suggest placing the baby near a sunny window for short, supervised periods (e.g., 10–15 minutes), fully clothed except for a diaper. But this is only for very mild jaundice and should always be done under medical guidance. Sunlight can play a small supportive role, but it’s not a replacement for phototherapy or proper medical care. Always consult your pediatrician if jaundice is suspected.
What Should Intended Parents Expect?
If you’re welcoming your baby via surrogacy, your program Doula will keep you fully informed of any signs of jaundice. It may even be discussed before discharge from the hospital. Some babies may need a brief stay in the hospital for phototherapy, or they may go home with a light therapy blanket.
Here are a few tips for intended parents:
- Stay calm and ask questions – Jaundice is rarely serious, and your healthcare team is there to guide you.
- Monitor feedings and diapers – Regular wet and dirty diapers are a great sign that your baby is flushing out bilirubin.
- Follow up with your pediatrician – A post-discharge check-up will usually include bilirubin screening, especially if your baby was jaundiced.
As an intended parent, you’re likely balancing excitement with a natural dose of concern—especially when it comes to your newborn’s health. While jaundice can seem alarming at first, understanding how common and manageable it is can go a long way in easing those early worries.
The important takeaway is this: jaundice is usually a normal part of a newborn’s adjustment to life outside the womb. With routine screening and care, most babies recover quickly and without complications. By staying informed and connected with your coordinator, program Doula and medical team, you’ll be well equipped to support your baby through those early days.
Welcoming a child through surrogacy is a unique experience—one that comes with its own set of questions and milestones. But when it comes to caring for your baby, the fundamentals remain the same: stay observant, trust your instincts, and reach out for guidance when needed.
