Phototherapy

Evidence 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4440981/ 

Paul Woodgate, Luke Anthony Jardine 

About 50% of term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice, which usually appears 2 to 4 days after birth, and resolves spontaneously after 1 to 2 weeks. Jaundice is caused by bilirubin deposition in the skin. Most jaundice in newborn infants is a result of increased red cell breakdown and decreased bilirubin excretion. 

Education 

Phototherapy is a common and gentle treatment used to help babies with jaundice – a condition that causes a baby’s skin and eyes to look yellow. Jaundice happens when there is a build-up of a substance called bilirubin in the blood. 

Phototherapy uses a special type of light to break down the bilirubin in your baby’s skin so that it can be removed from the body more easily. 

Jaundice is very common in newborns, especially in: 

• Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) 

• Babies who are unwell or recovering from complications 

• Babies who have bruising or a different blood type from their mother 

In most cases, jaundice is mild and goes away on its own. But sometimes the bilirubin level gets too high and needs treatment to prevent it from affecting your baby’s brain and body. Phototherapy helps bring those levels down safely. 

How is Phototherapy Given? 

Phototherapy is given using special blue lights. Your baby may receive it: 

• In an open cot or incubator, under a light (overhead phototherapy) 

• By lying on a soft lighted blanket or pad (called biliblanket) 

• Or with a combination of both 

To make the treatment work best: 

• Your baby will wear eye protection to shield their eyes from the light 

• Their clothes may be removed, but they will still be kept warm and safe 

• Nurses will regularly check your baby’s temperature, bilirubin levels, and hydration 

Phototherapy may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on how your baby responds. 

Phototherapy is very safe and has been used for many years to treat jaundice in babies. 

Side effects are usually mild and may include: 

• Loose stools (poo) 

• Mild skin rash 

• Temporary changes in sleep patterns 

Your baby will be closely monitored during treatment to make sure they are comfortable, feeding well, and that bilirubin levels are coming down. 

Empowerment 

Phototherapy can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially with the equipment and lights. Here are ways to feel confident and empowered: 

• Ask questions: What is bilirubin? How high are the levels? How long is treatment expected? 

• Be present: Talk to your baby, sing, or gently touch them – your presence is comforting. 

• Take part in care: You can help with feeds, cuddles, and nappy changes during breaks in treatment. 

• Track progress: Staff will update you on bilirubin levels and how things are going – it’s okay to ask for updates any time. 

Useful Links 

The Royal Women’s hospital, Melbourne  

https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Jaundice-and-your-newborn-baby.pdf 

Better health channel 

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/jaundice-in-babies 

Children’s health Queensland  

https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/health-a-to-z/jaundice 

Miracle Babies Foundation 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/nurturetime/gjneyo