Celebrating Tube Feeding Awareness Week

Happy February! This month, we’re celebrating Tube Feeding Awareness Week by sharing important information about why infants and children may require tube feeding, common myths, and how tube feeding can support a family's feeding journey by removing stress from oral eating experiences. We’ll also provide practical strategies for food exploration and ideas for including non-oral and hybrid eaters in Valentine's Day celebrations.

Why Do Children and Infants Need Tube Feeding?

Tube feeding provides essential nutrition for infants and children who cannot safely or efficiently eat by mouth. Reasons for tube feeding can vary by age and medical needs, including:

• Prematurity & Low Birth Weight: Many premature infants need tube feeding while they develop the strength and coordination to eat orally.

• Medical Complexities: Children with conditions such as congenital heart defects, genetic syndromes, or neurological impairments may require tube feeding due to fatigue, unsafe swallowing, or gastrointestinal issues.

• Severe Food Aversions or ARFID: Children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) or significant oral aversions may require tube feeding for nutrition while working on food acceptance.

Different Types of Tube Feeding

• NG (Nasogastric) Tubes: A temporary feeding tube placed through the nose into the stomach.

• OG (Orogastric) Tubes: A temporary feeding tube placed through the nose into the stomach.

• G (Gastrostomy) Tubes: A surgically placed tube that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach.

• J (Jejunostomy) Tubes: A feeding tube placed into the small intestine for children who cannot tolerate gastric feeds.

• GJ (Gastrojejunal) Tubes: A tube that allows for feeding into either the stomach or small intestine, depending on medical needs.

Common Myths About Tube Feeding

Myth: Tube feeding delays oral eating development.
Truth: When used appropriately, tube feeding ensures proper nutrition and can reduce pressure around oral eating, often leading to better long-term outcomes.

Myth: Children on tube feeds will never eat by mouth.
Truth: Many children transition to oral eating over time, especially when tube feeds are used as a support rather than a replacement for oral exploration.

Myth: Tube feeding is only for children with severe medical needs.
Truth: Tube feeding can be temporary or supplemental, helping children of varying needs receive the nutrition they require to grow and thrive.

Reducing Mealtime Stress & Encouraging Food Exploration

Tube feeding removes the stress of meeting nutritional needs, allowing families to create fun, pressure-free opportunities to explore food! Here are some strategies:

1. Include Your Child in Mealtimes: Have them sit at the table, engage in family conversation, and experience the social aspects of eating.

2. Optimize Positioning: If your child is on a pump feed, place the pump behind them so they can focus on food in front of them without distraction.

3. Time Tube Feeds Wisely: Work with your child’s medical team to schedule feeds in a way that allows them to experience natural hunger cues and oral exploration.

4. Encourage Food Play: Let your child touch, smell, and interact with different textures without the expectation of eating.

5. Offer Positive, Low-Pressure Opportunities: Present new foods in a fun and engaging way, such as through themed sensory bins or art activities.

Including Tube-Fed Children in Valentine's Day Fun

Celebrations often revolve around food, but there are many ways to include non-oral and hybrid eaters in the festivities:

• Sensory Bins & Food Play Activities: Create a Valentine's-themed bin with safe food textures (whipped cream, pudding, or dry cereal) or non-food textures like shredded paper and heart-shaped toys.

• Non-Food Valentine’s Gifts: Stickers, bubbles, mini books, or heart-themed sensory items make great alternatives to candy.

• Classroom Inclusion: If other children are exchanging treats, encourage your child to participate by giving out non-food valentines or small toys.

• Cooking & Baking Without Pressure: Let your child help mix, pour, or decorate treats, even if they’re not eating them.

Important Dates & Clinic Updates

📅 Clinic Closure: Wednesday, February 19 – Sunday, March 2
I will be presenting live at the International Pediatric Feeding Disorder Conference hosted by Feeding Matters in Phoenix, AZ. Then, I’ll be off to Disneyland to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday and enjoy February break with my family!

🎉 New Infant Feeding Visit Packages
In addition to my General Feeding Visit Packages, I now offer Infant Feeding Visit Packages for ages 0-12 months. Packages include 4, 6, or 8 visits and can be scheduled based on your family’s needs—whether semi-intensive, gradual tapering, or spread-out support. Packages provide cost savings and a structured approach tailored to your child’s feeding journey!

🎙️ Podcast Features

• I recently recorded an episode with Jena Castro-Casbon on Private Practice Successes to discuss these new packages and client feedback.

• I’ll also be recording an episode for The CoTreat Corner, covering the intersection of ARFID and PFD and the Speech-Language Pathologist's role in treatment.

Thank you for being a part of the Well Fed family! Wishing you a wonderful February full of love, learning, and joyful mealtimes. ❤️

Lauren