Tube weaning is the process of gradually transitioning from an intravenous feeding tube to normal eating. Tube weaning can be very difficult for all people involved, but there are ways to make this transition as smooth as possible. Here are six tips on how you can get the most out of your Tube Weaning Program
Make sure you have a good support system around you
This includes family members and friends who will help encourage your body’s natural ability to heal itself. It also means being open with medical professionals about any concerns or questions that may arise during this time.
Utilize a Tube Feeding Calculator
These calculators allow parents and caregivers to estimate their child’s daily nutritional requirements by entering information like their height and weight. Once you estimate how much nutrition is needed, you can work with a medical professional to see what types of weaning foods would be best for your child.
Walk your child through the weaning process.
One of the best ways to help a Tube Fed Child transition to eat solid foods is by walking them through each step, allowing them time to get used to new textures and tastes. Some helpful tips include: giving small portions at first, adding one food item at a time, and staying positive about trying different foods. Preparing children for this change in advance will make things go much more smoothly when you finally start.
Encourage independence during feeding times.
Your Tube Fed Child has been reliant on you to provide them with their food for a long time. Now that they are transitioning into eating solid foods, it’s important to encourage independence during feeding times–this can be done by allowing your child to feed themselves! However, there may still need some assistance at first as children learn how much pressure is needed when holding utensils and picking up pieces of food.
Make sure these programs offer evidence-based practices.
Having practices that are based on facts is extremely important when it comes to Tube Weaning Programs. As you are aware, Tube Feeding has its benefits–therefore, the last thing anyone would want is for these practices to be done incorrectly or without enough research behind them.
Use your child’s feeding team.
If your Tube Fed Child’s doctor recommends using a Tube Weaning Program, make sure that they use their own medical professionals (e.g., speech-language pathologists) during this process as well! This way, everyone will understand what works and doesn’t work to help support them throughout this transition period while also allowing them access to anything else they need along the way.
To conclude, Tube Weaning Programs are great ways to transition Tube Fed Children into being fed orally. If you have questions or concerns, remember that your child’s doctor is always there for them, so don’t be afraid to reach out!