Becoming a parent comes with its fair share of challenges – and when your child needs tube feeding, it can feel overwhelming. You may worry about your child’s pain, feelings and how their daily life will change.
“Being told your child needs a feeding tube can be scary,” said David Aria, MD, a pediatric interventional radiologist with Banner – University Medicine. “Tube feeding takes some adjustment, but many families find relief when they see their child getting the nutrition, hydration and medication they need.”
Below, we share important information about tube feeding to help you navigate this journey more confidently.
What is tube feeding?
Tube feeding (or enteral nutrition) is a medical device used to provide nutrition and fluids to a child who is too sick or unable to eat or drink by mouth.
“It’s a thin tube that goes through the nose or directly into the stomach or intestines, allowing nutrition, fluids and medication to be delivered to the body,” Dr. Aria said.
The most common types of feeding tubes in children include:
- Nasogastric tube (NG tube): This tube goes through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach. It’s often used for short-term feeding, like when your child is recovering from surgery or illness.
- Gastrostomy tube (G tube): A G tube is surgically placed directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. It’s used for long-term feeding when a child can’t eat or drink normally.
- Jejunostomy tube (J tube): This tube is inserted directly into the small intestine (jejunum) instead of the stomach. It may be used when your child cannot handle feeding into the stomach.
“The tubes can deliver fluids in different ways: using a pump or syringe to push the food or relying on gravity,” Dr. Aria said.
The choice between these types of tubes depends on your child’s specific medical condition and feeding requirements. Your health care provider will help decide which is best for your child.
Why might my child need a feeding tube?
Your child may need a feeding tube due to any of the following conditions or situations:
- Difficulty swallowing: When a child can’t safely swallow food due to conditions like dysphagia or neurological issues.
- Gastrointestinal problems: For kids with digestive issues like reflux, short bowel syndrome or physical problems that make it difficult to take in and use the nutrients they eat.
- Failure to thrive: When a child struggles to grow and gain weight despite efforts to eat.
- Chronic illness: Kids with conditions like cystic fibrosis or heart disease may need extra nutrition, especially during illness or recovery.
- Neurological conditions: Conditions such as cerebral palsy or brain injuries can lead to difficulties eating.
- Respiratory problems: For children with serious breathing issues that make eating safely difficult.
- Cancer treatments: To support kids undergoing cancer therapies who may lose their appetite or have difficulty swallowing.
- Metabolic disorders: Certain conditions like phenylketonuria (PKU) or maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) require a specific diet.
- Severe allergies: When kids have severe food allergies and need specialized formulas.
- Malnutrition: After not eating for a while or extreme weight loss, tube feeding can help reintroduce nutrition and help with weight gain.
How do I manage my child’s feeding tube?
“Managing a feeding tube may seem daunting at first, but it is very safe to care for at home,” said Dr. Aria. “Your health care team will work closely with you and your child to explain how to handle feedings and care at home and answer any questions you may have.”
Here are some tips for caring for your child’s feeding tube:
- Hygiene: Keep the area around the feeding tube clean to prevent infections. Wash your hands before and after handling the tube.
- Nutrition: Ensure your child receives the proper nutrients. Follow the prescribed feeding schedule and ask your child’s health care team for help.
- Medication: Give medications as prescribed by your child’s health care team. Make sure they work with the feeding tube.
- Monitoring: Monitor your child’s health, growth and weight. Attend regular check-ups with the health care team.
- Support: Seek emotional help from support groups and connect with parents facing similar challenges.
Are there things I can do to help my child adjust to their feeding tube?
A feeding tube can positively and negatively affect your child’s well-being, depending on the circumstances and how it is managed.
While a feeding tube ensures your child receives the necessary nutrients and medicines they need, it can also affect their emotional and psychological well-being.
“Having a feeding tube can be emotionally challenging for a child,” Dr. Aria said. “They may feel different from their peers, leading to feelings like isolation or self-consciousness.”
Older children may also struggle with body image concerns, low self-esteem or face challenges in social situations.
Here are some strategies to help you and your child navigate their feeding tube's physical and emotional aspects:
- Create a comfortable routine: Establish a consistent feeding schedule that aligns with your child’s daily activities.
- Be open with your child: Be honest about why they need a feeding tube and how it will help them grow stronger. Encourage them to ask questions.
- Involve your child: Depending on your child’s age and ability, involve them in the feeding process.
- Dress for comfort: Choose clothing that allows easy access to the feeding tube but also something your child feels comfortable and confident in.
- Support their emotions: Encourage your child to express feelings about the feeding tube. Validate their emotions and reassure them that having these feelings is okay.
- Positive reinforcement: Celebrate milestones and achievements related to the feeding tube. Praise your child’s bravery and resilience.
- Peer support: Consider connecting with a support group or finding opportunities for your child to meet other children with feeding tubes. This may reduce feelings of isolation and help your child realize they’re not alone.
- Professional help: If your child is struggling emotionally, consider seeking support from a pediatric behavioral health specialist specializing in helping children cope with medical challenges.
Takeaway
While it can be challenging to come to terms with the idea of your child needing a feeding tube, it’s important to remember that it’s a valuable tool that can improve their health and well-being.
You’re not alone in this journey. Resources and communities are available to assist you every step of the way. Talk to your child’s health care team for help, or check out some of these resources online:
