What is tube weaning? Home-based tube weaning is a process of gradually and safely removing your child’s feeding tube. Home-based tube weaning may be recommended for children who:
- Have good oral intake and
- Is not able to chew, swallow, or drink food. This should only be done under the supervision of a doctor who is experienced in pediatric feeding therapy.
- The family is being taught how to do safe progressive feedings at home with thickened liquids over six weeks that slowly increase texture/thickness throughout this time period until your child graduates from full strength formula to regular consistency foods.
Home-based tube weaning is an alternative to hospital tube weaning. Home-based tube weaning is done in the home of the child and with the help of a registered nurse, speech pathologist, or other licensed professional. Home-based nursing care can be provided for up to five days.
Home-based tube feeding has been shown to reduce family stressors and improve parental satisfaction levels when compared with hospital-based feeding programs.
The first tip is to be prepared. Make sure that you have a good understanding of the weaning process and what to expect before starting home-based tube weaning.
The second tip is to know your child’s goals for tube feeding and how they match up with their current daily schedule. Home-based nursing care can last anywhere from three days to five days, depending on your child’s needs so it will need to fit into everyday life at home.
Finally, communication between all parties involved in the Home Based Tube Weaning program is key! Being able to communicate about any concerns or problems as soon as possible ensures timely treatment for both children receiving therapy and nurses providing services which improves outcomes overall.
Is it safe? Home-based tube weaning has been used in many different countries for decades with great success. Home-based nursing care can be done safely at home if certain precautions are met.
Home-based tube feeding involves learning how to provide basic nursing care while parenting your child’s swallowing disorder through their natural oral behaviors, instead of by using special equipment like an NG tube, G-tube, etc.
These types of feedings usually last three days – five days depending on what is best for each individual case/child involved.
In conclusion, Home-based tube weaning is a safe and effective way to allow your child the opportunity to swallow normally again. It’s also much easier on you emotionally because it reduces your time away from work, school, or other obligations as well as allows for greater freedom of movement throughout each day. Home-based tube feeding can be done safely at home if certain precautions are met.
For more information on Home Based Tube Weaning, check online.
