Life after birth : Jaundice phototherapy

A jaundiced baby may need phototherapy to break down the yellow pigment under the baby's skin. For this purpose, the baby is undressed and exposed to ulta-violet light for several days with breaks for feeds. A soft mask may be placed over the eyes. It may be possible for the baby to undergo phototherapy in the cot in the same postnatal ward as yours. In some severe cases, however, the baby may need to be taken to a special care ward.