Newborn Jaundice Explained: A Practical Guide for Middle Eastern Families Giving Birth in Canada

Jaundice is extremely common among newborns—especially babies of Middle Eastern descent.

For families planning to give birth in Canada, understanding jaundice and knowing how it is treated can help you feel prepared and confident.

At Welada, we ensure that mothers giving birth in Canada are supported by pediatricians, nurses, and hospitals experienced in newborn jaundice and neonatal care.

Why Middle Eastern Babies Experience Jaundice More Frequently

Several factors contribute to higher bilirubin levels, especially for families from the Gulf, Levant, and North Africa:

1. Genetic predisposition

Conditions such as:

• G6PD deficiency

• Gilbert syndrome

• Higher newborn red blood cell counts

These are common in the region and can elevate bilirubin levels.

2. Breastfeeding patterns

Early breastfeeding sometimes contributes to mild jaundice, especially before milk fully increases.

3. Family history

If older children needed phototherapy, newborns are more likely to need monitoring too.

For this reason, choosing the right medical team—including experienced doctors for giving birth in Canada for non-Canadians—is extremely important.

Symptoms Parents Should Look For

• Yellow skin or eyes

• Difficulty waking for feeds

• Poor feeding

• Dark urine

• Light or pale stool

Nurses and pediatricians at Welada-partner hospitals check bilirubin levels within the first hours after birth.

How Jaundice Is Treated in Canada

1. Phototherapy (Blue Light Treatment)

Canada uses safe, modern phototherapy systems available 24/7 in equipped hospitals.This is painless, medication-free, and very effective.

2. Frequent Feeding Support

Breastfeeding and bottle feeding help reduce bilirubin.Welada ensures mothers receive guidance from trained maternity nurses.

3. Advanced Treatment When Needed

Hospitals Welada works with are equipped for:

• IV fluids

• Intensive phototherapy

• Exchange transfusion (only for severe cases)

This is essential for non-Canadians choosing to give birth in Canada and needing immediate newborn care.

Why Early Monitoring Matters for Non-Canadian Families

Having the right hospital and medical team ensures:

• Early bilirubin testing

• Immediate treatment if needed

• Safe discharge and follow-up care

Welada only collaborates with hospitals prepared for newborn emergencies, giving families full confidence.

How Welada Supports Newborn Jaundice Care

Welada’s preferred network hospitals are all:

·         Fully equipped to manage Jaundice and all other emergenicies.

• Will do Bilirubin testing within 24 hours

• Phototherapy availability

• Share expected cost in case NICU or phototherapy is required.

Families giving birth in Canada with Welada never face uncertainty—we ensure full neonatal support from day one.