Which of the following statements is true regarding bilirubin levels in the first days of life?

Mild jaundice is indeed common in newborns, especially during the first days of life, and it is usually self-limited. This is primarily due to the immaturity of the liver in processing bilirubin, which is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. In many cases, this condition, known as neonatal jaundice, is physiological and resolves as the infant's liver matures and becomes more effective at conjugating and excreting bilirubin.

Additionally, although bilirubin levels can rise in some newborns, not all infants will experience a steady increase; some may have varying levels, influenced by factors such as feeding. Self-limited jaundice typically resolves on its own without the need for intervention, underscoring the importance of monitoring rather than immediate treatment in cases where bilirubin levels remain within acceptable ranges.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the typical scenarios surrounding newborn jaundice. For instance, while some jaundice may require treatment, not all cases do, especially when mild and self-limited. Also, bilirubin levels can fluctuate, particularly in breastfeeding infants, due to factors such as feeding frequency and adequacy of breast milk intake.