Like a delicate flower, a baby requires tender and loving care – more so if the baby is born with a heart problem or congenital heart disease. A baby with a heart that doesn’t function properly needs the medical care of specialists and the support of parents to cope with the condition.

Four to nine infants out of every 1,000 babies will be born with congenital heart disease.  One and a half million new cases occur each year, and it is one of the most commonly diagnosed congenital conditions among newborns. Levels of severity can range from mild to serious, where emergency attention is required at birth. Although frightening at first, the management of congenital heart disease has substantially improved over the years, and many affected children grow to become healthy adults.

A defect in the heart can be simple, such as a hole in the heart or defects in the valves. A hole in the heart causes oxygen-laden blood to mix with de-oxygenated blood. A defective heart valve may interfere with the blood supply to various parts of the body.

A complex heart defect may involve a defect coupled with abnormal connections of the blood vessels to and from the heart or major defect in structure of the heart.

Congenital heart disease can be diagnosed both before and after birth. Some cases may not be diagnosed until the person affected reaches adulthood. Most babies do not exhibit any symptoms meaning tests need to be conducted by a qualified pediatric cardiologist to know if and what kind of congenital heart disease your baby has. These tests will also show the condition of your baby’s heart.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the activity of different parts of your baby’s heart, and shows how well various parts of the heart are working

• Pulse oximetry: Measures the amount of oxygen present in your baby’s blood

• Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound  to provide the doctor with a 2D or 3D image of your baby’s heart

• Chest X-ray: The doctor can evaluate how well your baby’s heart is growing and whether any fluid is present in the lungs

• Cardiac catheterization: A dye is passed through the heart to give a visual representation of your baby’s coronary problem

Babies may have one or several congenital heart diseases, and the treatment depends on the type of disease. These are generally treated by one or more of the following ways:

• Medicines: Medicines may be prescribed to reduce the stress on the heart

• Surgery: Some babies may need to undergo one or several surgeries to repair their heart structures

• Cardiac catheterization: Some defects of the heart such as holes can be closed by using a catheter to insert a balloon into the opening to seal it closed

• Ablation: Some defects of the heart rhythms can be corrected by using a catheter to focus radiofrequency energy or intense cold towards a small section of the heart to “disconnect” the abnormal rhythm

• Heart transplant: When there are no other treatment options, a heart transplant may be considered as the last resort.

Due to your baby’s heart problem, normal development may be hampered. However, there is a good chance for your baby to crawl, talk, walk, and play normally. Once the heart problem is fixed, the chances for your baby to grow strong and healthy are good.

Many parents are afraid that they will hurt their sick baby if they try to handle him or her. You won’t.

Your baby needs your love and care. You will not hurt your baby if you cuddle and nurture even though your baby is sick. For you and your baby, talking and playing are very important. Your baby needs the same attention as any baby.

Help your child to lead a normal life and try to not be over protective; this might isolate and alienate your baby and even hamper normal development in the long run.

Babies affected with a heart disease may become tired easily. If your baby grows too tired for extended feedings, feed them in small portions as often as possible. The heart defect may overexert the heart of your baby, and your baby will need extra energy so the heart can work harder. Feeding your baby in small amounts as many times as possible will provide much needed nutrition while not tiring your baby.

Breast milk is the best food for your baby; it is full of nutrients and also helps to protect your baby from infections. If you have any problems breastfeeding you need to consult your doctor who may recommend that you see a lactation specialist.

In addition, you may need to give your baby formula to provide some of the extra calories and energy he or she requires. If you have to feed your baby with special baby food formula or need to use it along with your breast milk, a nutritionist or pediatric dietician can advise you of the right formula for your baby.

You can seek help from various sources such as your doctor or hospital about the kinds of care they can offer. You may also approach social workers or counselors to know more about the respite programs and home care services that can provide aid in caring for your baby.

As scary as a heart defect may be, there is a large amount of parental support groups available that will provide help to those facing similar problems. There is a wealth of knowledge available to those who seek it, and by understanding the basics of congenital heart disease, the medicines to be used, and nutrition to be provided, your child can live a healthy life.