Ectopic Heartbeat

Hi, my duaghter Hannah is now 13 weeks old and was born with an ectopic beat. The doctors seem to be a bit vague as to what will eventuate from this condition for her. She will be evaluated by a paediatric cardiologist every 6 months. I am trying not to be a worry wort but as a first time mum I do. I didn't drink or smoke while I was pregnant and went off coffee altogether. I did however drink alot of tea (about 5 or 6 cups a day), so feel guilty about her condition. She is otherwise a gorgeous, healthy and content baby. Can anyone tell me what 'she' feels when this is happening to her (every 10 or so beats). I suppose she knows no different and like I mentioned, she is a very content baby only grumbling when she get hungry. What can I expect for the future??

Also, she is exclusively breastfed and it has only occured to me today that I am drinking tea and coffee (about 3 cups a day), eat chocolate and plenty of dairy. What should a model diet be for a mother breastfeeding a baby with ectopic beats??

Thanks for any help.

[SassyLassie]

I have not been blessed with children, so, I really do not have any clear cut answers for you. I would say that I imagine that the caffeine in the coffee and chocolate could be a small part of contributing to her ectopic beats.

A model diet? Well, I guess lots of fresh fruits and veggies,more fish, and not as much red meat, sort of like what folks are supposed to do anyway. Also, drink lots of water so you do not get dehydrated.

She may very well grow out of this. As to what she is feeling, probably nothing that scares her, you see, we get scared because we know it is an "abnormal" feeling, but, your sweet baby does not know the difference, that is why she is happy and does not complain.

I hope this helps some. I am totally ignorant, I am afraid, when it comes to little ones.