What to Do If Your Baby Has Jaundice
As a photographer specializing in newborn photography, I often get emails from parents who are concerned about what to do if your baby has jaundice. Jaundice is a common condition among newborns, characterized by a yellowish tint in their skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. While it’s essential to prioritize the baby’s health, as photographers, we can also play a role in capturing their beauty while ensuring their comfort and safety. In this blog, I’ll discuss how to photograph jaundiced babies with care and sensitivity.
Understanding Jaundice | What to Do If Your Baby Has Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when there’s an excess of bilirubin in a newborn’s blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, the liver may not yet be fully developed, leading to difficulty in processing and excreting bilirubin efficiently. This can result in the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes.
Photographing Jaundiced Babies | What to Do If Your Baby Has Jaundice
Newborn photography session with jaundice a baby requires a delicate approach to ensure their comfort and safety while still capturing stunning images. Here are some tips to consider if your baby has jaundice.
- Communication with the Photographer: Before the photoshoot, communicate with the photographer about the baby’s condition fully. Parents can provide valuable insights into the severity of jaundice and any specific concerns they may have. Chances are nothing drastically different will happen at a photo session with jaundice a baby versus a baby that does not have jaundice, but it is helpful to know beforehand.
- Timing of the Photoshoot: In consultation with healthcare professionals, schedule the photoshoot at a time when the baby is most comfortable. This may involve considering feeding and nap schedules to ensure the baby is calm and content during the session.
- Adjusting Lighting: Jaundiced skin tends to appear more yellow under certain lighting conditions. To minimize the intensity of the yellow tint, adjust the lighting setup accordingly. Soft, diffused lighting can help create a more flattering appearance while reducing the prominence of the jaundice.
- Using Props and Accessories: Incorporating props and accessories can help divert attention away from the baby’s skin tone. Opt for neutral colors and textures that complement the baby’s features without overwhelming them.
- Post-Processing Techniques: In post-processing, photographers can utilize editing techniques to subtly adjust the appearance of jaundiced skin. However, it’s crucial to exercise restraint and maintain the baby’s natural appearance. Avoid excessive retouching that alters the baby’s features unnaturally.
Ethical Considerations | What to Do If Your Baby Has Jaundice
While editing techniques can help minimize the visibility of jaundice in newborn photos, it’s essential to approach this aspect of photography ethically. Here are some ethical considerations to keep in mind:
- Honesty and Transparency: Be transparent with parents about the editing process and its limitations. Avoid making unrealistic promises about completely eliminating the appearance of jaundice through editing.
- Use colors that look good with the baby’s skin tone. Depending on how jaundiced the baby is, some colors will make the baby’s yellow skin look more yellow than others.
- Some families want to capture the baby as they are, and have little to no editing. Leaving their baby a little yellow in color.
Big Picture, It’s Not A Big Deal | What to Do If Your Baby Has Jaundice | What to Do If Your Baby Has Jaundice
I know most parents want their baby and family to look perfect for pictures. As a mom myself, I know that is not always going to happen. If your little one is a little jaundice, has some baby acne, or something else that has you concerned. Reach out to your photographer and discuss it with them, but I promise that it will be a non-issue for your session.