Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if the baby is very difficult to wake, becomes floppy or stiff, has a high-pitched cry, arches backwards, has a seizure, or has pauses in breathing.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day assessment if:
Jaundice appears during the first 24 hours after birth
Yellowing is rapidly increasing or reaches the arms and legs
The baby is increasingly sleepy or feeds poorly
Wet or dirty diapers are becoming less frequent
The baby has dark urine or pale, grey, white, or chalky stools
Jaundice continues beyond about two weeks without being assessed
Jaundice returns after it had clearly gone away
The baby has a fever or seems generally unwell
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when the baby has already been assessed, is feeding and growing well, has normal urine and stool colour, and has a clear plan for repeat weight or bilirubin checks.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Jaundice and breastfeeding. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.