🎯 Learning Focus
To debunk common myths surrounding newborn jaundice in African communities using science, cultural context, and clear examples.
🌍 Why This Lesson Matters
Across Africa, traditional beliefs and cultural explanations often shape how families interpret a baby’s yellowing. While some remedies come from loving intentions, misunderstanding jaundice can delay life-saving care. CHWs, TBAs, and parents must learn to respect traditions while standing on the foundation of evidence-based care.
🔍 Common Myths & Medical Realities
❌ MYTH 1: “Jaundice comes from bad breastmilk.”
“The baby is reacting to the mother’s milk. Stop breastfeeding!”
🧪 TRUTH:
Breastfeeding helps clear jaundice. It flushes out bilirubin through the baby’s stool and urine. In fact, not breastfeeding enough is one of the major causes of prolonged jaundice.
There is a condition called breast milk jaundice which is harmless and occurs after day 5, but stopping breastfeeding is not recommended.
📚 Source:
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WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/newborn-jaundice
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American Academy of Pediatrics: doi:10.1542/peds.2019-3062
❌ MYTH 2: “She looked at the sun — now the baby is yellow.”
“Pregnant women should avoid staring at the sun or the child will come out yellow.”
🧪 TRUTH:
Newborn jaundice is not caused by looking at the sun during pregnancy. It is caused by bilirubin, a yellow pigment that builds up in the baby’s body because their liver is not yet mature enough to remove it quickly.
While the sun plays a helpful role in phototherapy, it has no connection to how jaundice develops in utero.
🧠 Important to note: Safe sun exposure may help reduce jaundice after birth, but only if done carefully (5–10 minutes, not under intense midday heat, and no direct eye exposure).
❌ MYTH 3: “Rub the baby with herbs or charcoal water to chase the yellow away.”
“Traditional remedies cleanse the blood and make the baby strong.”
🧪 TRUTH:
There is no evidence that rubbing babies with herbs, palm oil, or charcoal has any positive effect on jaundice. In fact, it may delay proper treatment and cause skin infections, burns, or poisoning.
Charcoal does not absorb bilirubin through the skin. These methods also create a false sense of safety, while the baby’s bilirubin level may be rising to dangerous levels.
🔬 Medical treatment like phototherapy or exchange transfusion is the only proven way to reduce high bilirubin safely.
📚 Research:
🧠 Why These Myths Persist
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Lack of access to clinics and bilirubin testing
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Influence of elders and respected traditional healers
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Cultural shame or blame linked to illness
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Mistrust of health systems due to past negative experiences
🎤 “My mother told me to use a leaf bath and wait. By the time we went to the hospital, it was too late.” — Mother in rural Uganda
🛡️ What You Can Say as a CHW or Nurse
| Myth | Say This Instead |
|---|---|
| “It’s the mother’s milk.” | “Breastmilk helps wash away the yellow. Let her feed more often.” |
| “It’s from the sun.” | “It’s a common newborn condition. The baby’s liver is still learning.” |
| “Rub her with herbs.” | “That might harm the baby. Let’s try safe sunlight and get the baby tested.” |
🧪 Mini Quiz – Jaundice Myths
Q1. Should a mother stop breastfeeding if her baby is jaundiced?
A. Yes, breastmilk is the cause
B. No, breastfeeding helps clear jaundice
C. Only if the baby is sick
D. Yes, and give glucose water instead
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Breastfeeding helps remove bilirubin through stool and is crucial in managing mild jaundice.
Q2. What causes jaundice in a newborn?
A. The mother looking at the sun
B. Evil spirits
C. Buildup of bilirubin in the blood
D. Rubbing charcoal on the skin
✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Bilirubin is a natural byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, and immature livers struggle to process it quickly.
Q3. What is the risk of using herbs to treat jaundice?
A. None
B. May worsen jaundice or cause infection
C. Helps the baby sleep
D. It cures fever only
✅ Answer: B
Rationale: Herbal or traditional skin remedies may delay proper care and can cause harm or mask worsening symptoms.
🎯 Takeaway Message:
“Let culture guide you, but let science protect you.” – African Nurse Educator
Respect beliefs, but always act quickly when a baby turns yellow—early treatment saves lives.
