Per Ruth Lawrence, ounce for ounce, formula and breastmilk have same
number of calories, unless one of the special hi-cal formulas is being
suggested.  But even if he goes on hi-cal formula, he might not gain
weight due to the extra upper respiratory and ear infections he'll have
that will decrease his appetite.

Without knowing the specific heart defect, it's hard to make any other
recommendations.  However, I'll go out on a limb here to say that often,
slowed growth despite adequate caloric intake (needs can be twice normal)
signals that it's time for surgical repair of the defect.

Becky Saenz, MD
Assistant Professor
University of MS Medical Center
Department of Family Medicine
[log in to unmask]

On Thu, 6 Aug 1998, Ilene Fabisch, BrocktonWIC wrote:

> I have a mom whose baby is 9 mos old.  She is very committed to
> breastfeeding.  Her baby has been DX with a heart defect (sorry cant be
> more specific).  Baby breastfed exclusively until the addition of solids
> at about 6 mos, up until now the MD's have said that is why her baby is
> so healthy despite the heart condition.  Now the baby's pedi wants her to
> start formula because the baby has had some difficulty putting on wt. (he
> is a normal wt for age but has not continued to gain "appropriately".  I
> believe he is around seventeen pounds but that means in 5 months he has
> only gained half a pound.  I don't feel starting formula would put any
> additional wt on him because ounce for ounce formula equals breastmilk in
> calories (correct?).  I have made suggestions to the order of adding fats
> to his diet since he is taking solids well.  This was backed up by the
> WIC nutritionists.  Things like ice cream, puddings, butter on veggies.
> Can anyone give me ammunition for the MD's?  Thanks.
>
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