Breastfeeding the infant/child with a cardiac defect: an informal survey

Despite the well-established benefits of breastfeeding, there is little literature about breastfeeding the infant with a congenital cardiac defect. This paper describes the experience of 12 mothers of infants with cardiac defects. These mothers responded to an informal survey and described numerous obstacles to success such as maternal fatigue, anxiety, separation from infant, institutional policy, and lack of support from health care providers. Mothers compared sources of help and identified coping strategies. Perceived benefits of breastfeeding included decreased illness, decreased stress, feeling part of the infant's health care team, and maintaining a relationship with the infant. Recommendations for assisting the mother nursing an infant with congenital heart disease are included.