September 17, 2021
Tube feeding is an alternative method of feeding that helps children get the nutrients and calories they need to grow and develop properly. If you’ve been told that your child needs a feeding tube, you might be feeling a mix of emotions. But feeding tubes can be lifesaving for children with a medical condition that makes it difficult for them to eat.
How Does Tube Feeding Work?
Tube feeding is a method of feeding to ensure that an individual gets the nutrients they need to grow, recover from an illness, and/or stay healthy. During a tube feeding, liquid food mixture is passed through a soft, flexible tube that is directly connected to the patient’s stomach or intestines. Tube feeding bypasses the need for the patient to have to chew and swallow solid foods. A variety of nutrients can be delivered via a feeding tube, including breast milk, formula, and even blended foods.
Why Has My Child’s Doctor Suggested That They Use a Feeding Tube?
There are many different reasons why a child may need a feeding tube. Your child’s doctor may recommend a feeding tube if your child:
- Does not have the muscular ability to chew and swallow
- Cannot safely swallow liquids, food, or medication
- Needs extra nutrition in addition to regular (oral) feeding to grow and gain weight properly
- Has an infection or is recovering from surgery and can’t eat food for a short period of time
- Suffers from excessive gas and bloating as well as nausea and vomiting
How Long Will My Child Need to Use a Feeding Tube?
The amount of time your child will need a feeding tube depends on their condition (they may need it for as little as a few weeks or for life). When your child can eat and drink (orally) enough to meet their nutritional needs, your doctor will assess whether they can stop tube feeding. Your child will also need to be medically stable and be able to show that they can chew and swallow safely.
Will My Child Need a Feeding Plan?
Your child’s dietician and medical team will create a feeding plan for your child. A tube feeding plan includes the type of formula or nutrients that your child needs, how many times a day they should be fed, and how to administer any necessary medicines through the feeding tube.
Specialized liquid formulas for tube feeding are only available with a prescription from the child’s specialist, pediatrician, or dietician. You may also be able to blend foods into a liquid mixture that can be administered through the tube. Always consult your child’s dietician and pediatrician before blending foods at home.
There are two options for feeding schedules:
- Using a pump to continuously deliver nutrients through the feeding pump
- Scheduling bolus feeds to deliver larger amounts of nutrients and calories at set times, similar to meal times
Find Support With Home Nursing Services
At JSP Home Care Services, we understand that caring for a child with special medical needs can be stressful and overwhelming. Our pediatric home nurses provide compassionate medical support and education to parents and caregivers of children who require a feeding tube. To learn more about our pediatric home health services, click here. To schedule a consultation contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
Sources:
https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/tube-feeding https://www.feedingtubeawareness.org/does-my-child-need-a-feeding-tube/
