Reference no: EM133983167

Case study

Baradine was born at term in a small country hospital. He became slightly jaundiced soon after birth and the advice from the midwife to Apari (his mother) was to breastfeed regularly. The first night went well, Baradine was breastfeeding and sleeping between feeds however, during the following night, Apari found she was feeding almost constantly, and her nipples had become very sore. On day three the midwife performed a heel prick which showed Baradine's bilirubin levels had risen and that he required phototherapy. The midwife told Apari that she and Baradine would be required to transfer to the main hospital, an hour away, as the country hospital did not have a paediatrician. Apari and Baradine were transferred by ambulance. On admission to the hospital Baradine was admitted to NICU and the diagnosis was physiological jaundice. Baradine was commenced on phototherapy (zipped into a blue bag and placed in a Bilibed). Baradine's admission weight was 5% lower than his birth weight.

Apari wishes to continue breastfeeding

Question:

Describe the pathophysiology for the condition in the chosen scenario including:

Clinical features

Medical/Obstetrical management