Theresa:

The problem you are describing could be a ventricular septal defect.  We are
currently helping a three week old with the VSD breastfeed.  I suggest you
go to the archives, as I did last weekend, and use the search word
"cardiac".

Among the many other interesting anecdotes, you will find these studies
cited:

Marino BL, et al. Oxygen saturations during breast and bottle feedings in
infants with congential heart disease. J Pediatr Nurs 1995; 10(6):360-364

Meier P. Bottle-and breast-feeding: effects on transcutaneous oxygen
pressure
and temperature in pretrem infants. Nurs Res 1988; 37:38

Meier P, Anderson GC. Responses of small preterm infants to breast- and
bottle-feeding. Matern Child Nurs J 1987; 12(2):97-105


Ruth Lawrence's book also addresses this.  Of course there may be
extenuating circumstances, but if you present this information to the
ped/cardiologist, you may be able to help keep this baby nursing.

Best of luck,

Mary Ryngaert, ARNP, MSN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Gainesville, FL

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