A newborn blood transfusion provides blood to an infant who has severe anemia because of problems caused by Rh sensitization or other reasons.

The blood transfusion adds red blood cells that restore the baby’s health until new red blood cells can be produced.

If the newborn has severe jaundice, an exchange transfusion may be done. An exchange transfusion removes some of the newborn's blood and provides Rh-negative blood at the same time.