professionals use feeding tubes when children have trouble eating or swallowing, or if they require extra nutrition due to a medical condition. Feeding tubes come in various shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose: to deliver nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine.
There are two primary types of feeding tubes: nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) and gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes). NG tubes are inserted through the nose and into the stomach, while G-tubes are inserted directly into the stomach through a small incision in the abdomen.
Feeding tubes can be temporary or permanent, depending on the child’s needs. They may be used for a few weeks or months, or they may be needed long-term.
It’s important to remember that a feeding tube is a tool to help your child get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. It’s not a reflection of your parenting skills or a failure on your part. With the right support and resources, you can learn to manage your child’s feeding tube and help them thrive.
First, it’s important to educate yourself about feeding tubes. Talk to your child’s doctor or a feeding specialist to learn more about the different types of feeding tubes, how they work, and how to care for them.
Next, create a support network. Connect with other parents of tube-fed children through support groups or online forums. You can also reach out to your child’s medical team for resources and support.
Learn how to properly care for your child’s feeding tube. This may include cleaning the site, flushing the tube, and administering medications or feedings through the tube.
Establish a routine for feeding and medication administration. This can help ensure that your child is receiving the proper nutrition and medications on a consistent basis.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Taking care of a tube-fed child can be overwhelming at times, and it’s okay to ask for assistance from family, friends, or medical professionals. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Why Would My Child Require a Feeding Tube?
Indeed, there are many medical and developmental reasons why a child may require a feeding tube. It’s important to work closely with your child’s medical team to determine the underlying cause of feeding difficulties and develop a treatment plan that includes the use of a feeding tube, if necessary.
It’s also important to address any underlying psychological or behavioral issues that may be contributing to feeding difficulties. This may involve working with a therapist or behavioral specialist to address issues such as anxiety, sensory problems, or avoidant restrictive food intake disorders.
Remember, every child is unique, and their feeding needs may change over time. It’s important to continue working closely with your child’s medical team to ensure they are getting the nutrition and care they need to thrive.
Is Tube Feeding Permanent?
That’s a great point. Every child’s situation is unique, and their feeding needs may change over time. With the right support and resources, some children may be able to transition from tube feeding to oral feeding, while others may continue to require tube feeding for the rest of their lives.
Feeding therapy can be an effective tool for helping children improve their oral feeding skills and reduce their dependence on tube feeding. This may involve working with a feeding specialist to develop a personalized feeding plan that addresses any underlying issues or challenges.
It’s important to remember that every child’s journey is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding tube management. With the right support and resources, however, parents can help their children thrive and live happy, healthy lives.
How Does the Feeding Tube Function?
There are indeed two main types of feeding tubes: nasogastric tubes and gastrostomy tubes. Nasogastric tubes are inserted through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach, while gastrostomy tubes are inserted directly into the stomach through a small incision in the abdomen.
Nasogastric tubes are typically used for temporary feeding, such as post-surgery or during an acute illness, and they may be uncomfortable for some children. Gastrostomy tubes, on the other hand, are surgically placed and allow for more comfortable, long-term feeding.
There are different types of gastrostomy tubes available, including the PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube, which is placed using an endoscope, and the GJ (gastrojejunal) tube, which is placed in both the stomach and the small intestine. Your child’s medical team will determine which type of feeding tube is best for their specific needs.
Regardless of the type of feeding tube used, it’s important to properly care for the site and to monitor your child for any signs of complications or infection. Your child’s medical team should provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the feeding tube and what to do if any issues arise.
What Meals Will Be Given to My Child Through A Tube?
Working together with your child’s physician and dietitian, you will determine the most suitable diet for your child. Filomena Kersey, a qualified pediatric nutritionist in Dr. Sanville’s team at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding at least partially for babies. If not, conventional or specialist formulas, including those specifically formulated for infants with food allergies or issues with fat absorption, are recommended.
For older children, Kersey explains the various formula options available depending on the child’s tolerance and underlying medical condition. However, she cautions against using homemade tube-feeding formulas, as it is crucial to ensure food safety, and some homemade recipes have a shorter shelf life compared to commercially available products. Kersey also suggests consulting with a nutritionist before blending your own foods, as it can be challenging to meet a child’s dietary needs with homemade formulas.
How Do I Clean and Maintain The Tube?
Looking after your child’s feeding tube and administering feeds is not a complicated process, although training is necessary.
Dr. Sanville assures that cleaning your child’s tube will become a regular routine after a few weeks, and you will practice caring for the tube on a doll while your child is in the hospital, followed by supervised training on your child’s tube with a nurse. Dr. Sanville further ensures that you won’t be alone once you’re back home, as you will have access to a wealth of information and your child’s care team will be available for assistance whenever you need.
Caring for your child’s feeding tube involves flushing out any food remaining in the tube after each feeding using water from a syringe and a clean feeding bag. Subsequently, you will clean the remaining components with warm, soapy water.
Is There Any Issues of Which I Should Be Aware?
It’s important to remember that while complications related to feeding tubes are uncommon, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your child’s medical team and to contact them with any questions or concerns.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s care team if you have any questions or concerns about caring for the feeding tube. They are there to help you and support you throughout the process.
In addition to your child’s care team, there are also resources available from organizations such as the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation and the Oley Foundation. These organizations provide a wealth of information and support from healthcare professionals and other parents who have experience with feeding tubes.
With the right support and resources, parents can help their children thrive and live happy, healthy lives, even with the use of a feeding tube.