Hi Judy,
My 'baby' now 27 next week, was born with cardiac issues (WPW) however, he
was exclusively breastfed (at the breast) so I didn't have struggles
getting him to latch.  I have worked with several other mom's with baby's
with cardiac issues...however, babies if not always at the breast were able
to go to breast early on.  Their primary struggles were with HCP,
especially ped. cardiologists who just don't see breastfed babies/children
(mostly cause they don't help moms achieve/continue breastfeeding).
Regardless of health status skin-to-skin is the most effective way of
getting babies to latch well--even in older babies.

A dear friend of mine has Marfan's Syndrome.  When her son was 6 month's
old she had an aortic dissection.  Abrupt weaning (duh) and no
breastfeeding for six months--although as soon as she could she would rock
him in their breastfeeding position against her bare breast.  He was 13
months old when he suddenly turned and latched on (in response to his older
sister telling him that if he was really nursing his mouth would be on the
nipple).  He went on to nurse for another 2 years.  I also had a client
with a cleft palate baby who never directly breastfed although was
exclusively breastmilk fed, who did skin-to-skin throughout the 1st year
and about a month after the repair surgery baby suddenly latched and began
breastfeeding.  Both these moms did skin-to-skin with no pressure to latch
until baby led the way.

Check out: Effects of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact on severe latch-on
problems in older infants: a randomized trial
http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/8/1/1
(babies weren't quite as old as the one you are working with).
Warmly,
Michele Crockett

Date:    Mon, 1 Jul 2013 20:32:39 -0400
From:    Judy Campbell <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: getting cardiac hx baby to breast @ 7 months
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PTP:We'd like to connect with anyone with experience in getting a baby wi=
th cardiac history to breast at 6-7 months old. Toddler sib is tandam nur=
sing with pump for 100% MOM baby. Mom is really busy with several small c=
hildren & pumping, but very invested in bf this little one. New teeth=3D =
biting when going to breast at all. Anyone have tips/ experience/know of =
on line connections with other cardiac bf moms, please?=20
thanks so much, Judy


-- 
*Michele L. Crockett, IBCLC, PCPA, LLLL*

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