Janaki:

I had a mother whoes second had Tetralogy of Fallot in my LLL group about 9
years ago.  Baby gained adequately on breast only.  Feeds did take a long
time and there were infrequent episodes of cyanosis.  MDs did relate feeding
difficulties to heart problems.  Poor oxygenation and infant fatigue were
factors.  Mother had a good milk supply.  Mom was convinced of and committed
to giving her daughter the best possible chance with the best possible food,
and grateful for support.  Sadly baby died at one year of age on 2nd day
post-op.  They later had a healthy boy.

In the case you describe there could be additional feeding problems
unrelated to the heart condition.  Since the cardiologist advises
supplementing and mom is questioning her milk supply an electric breast pump
might be needed to (a) store milk for supplementation and hospitalization,
(b) stimulate mother's supply.  I would favour supplementation by SNS over
other methods to keep babe at breast as much as she can,  but of course that
will depend on how mom and babe manage.

Am trying to contact this family as the years have dulled my memory.

My 14 year-old daughter had much less critical surgery at 6 mo.
(heminephrectomy) and I still get choked thinking about it.  My heart goes
out to the family you are working with.  I hope all goes well.

Suzanne McBride,
RDH, BA, LLLleader, IBCLC, (and trying not to neglect my husband, 4
children, fitness, garden, while remodeling house and hooked on computer:
good thing we don't have TV!)