I have worked with a number of infants with heart defects.  All had stamina
problems ranging from minor to almost incapacitating.  Feeding is the work
of infants, and any condiditon which increases the work has the potential to
decrease intake.  These babies need close growth monitoring, and most of the
moms have had to do post feed pumping to obtain hind milk to use for
supplementation, and to keep breasts well-drained in order to protect
supply.  Most of the babies I have observed with heart problems were quiet,
slept a lot, and looked pale.  Breast milk is very important for these
babies, and there is certainly value in all the comforting babies can take
at breast -- this reduces crying, which is not good for them.  Just watch
the intake, and realize there may be a need to supplement and pump.

Barbara

Barbara Wilson-Clay, BS, IBCLC
Private Practice, Austin, Texas
Owner, Lactnews On-Line Conference Page
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html