I brought my daughter in today to see another GI specialist who was able to get a feeding speciaist - OT to see her. She's having feeding issues - she can't suck properly and this past week and half, she' eating 15 oz. I was told if she doesn't gain weight by Monday, she will most likely have to get an NG tube as she hasn't gained any weight in a week. She can't suck properly and I think she's having the beginning stages of bottle aversion - which her doctors have yet acknowledged b/c they haven't seen her in action yet...it happens half of the time.
I've read that NG tubes causes oral and feeding problems...is that right? I will have to do what is the best for her even if it means therapy, but just wanted to see if your babies experienced more feeding issues b/c of it.
- Cassie
Hello Cassie,
The mention of a feeding tube is so alarming. My daughter has a gastrostomy tube or G tube for a while. At first, I was really upset about it-it made me feel like a failure as a mother. I couldn't even feed my own kid. It was awkward to use at first but then it was great. We worked on learning to eat by mouth on our own time schedule. She ate via tube mostly at night and when she was sick, she stayed hydrated, avoiding several trips to the hospital for an IV. Eventually she stopped needing it and it was removed.
An NG tube is much less permanent than an NG tube. It may be used for days or weeks. I hope that Chloe would received intensive medical treatment and feeding therapy during that time to determine the cause of the poor eating. The tube does make swallowing more awkward at first and there is some adjustment time need for everyone.
My only caution would be to avoid the temptation to force Chloe to eat between now and next week. She is being cautious about eating for a reason-something is not right and she is communicating this to you as best she can. Keep going slow and steady. I have heard of babies going from poor eating to a full feeding strike.
Sending hugs to you and Chloe.
Jan Gambino
The Reflux Mom
Hi!
I am so glad that i have found this site! How long did your bub have her tube in for before she started to drink again? My bub has had her NG tube in since she was 10 weeks old (she is now 19) she will occasionally drink 2 oz in a feed maybe once a day thats it she is entirely NG feed. I am at my wits end i feel like we are never ever going to get the tube out! it takes up her whole face and my paed hasnt even suggested a G tube...
SophsMum