Feeding Tube (NG/G tube) Wean Program
This program is designed for children who are dependent on feeding tubes to meet their nutrition and hydration needs. We use a multidisciplinary approach by partnering with our trusted community partners, including dietitians, pediatric gastroenterology specialists, and pediatricians. This is a child centered and hunger based approach. Several factors are considered in determining if an infant or child is ready for the tube weaning program, including:
- Oral skills readiness
- Swallowing safety
- Hunger cues
- Digestive readiness
- Stable health
- Ability to tolerate bolus feeds via NG or G-tube
- Home and community environments
Goals of the Tube Wean Program
- To facilitate oral intake for meeting nutrition-hydration needs
- To develop oral skills for eating age appropriate food textures
- Establish positive mealtime behaviors and routines
- Provide parent and family support until successful transition
Feeding Team
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- Pediatrician
- GI specialist
How we Help
Your child will participate in an initial evaluation with a feeding specialist to evaluate swallow safety and oral skills for feeding. Based on the evaluation results, your child may begin by participating in individual feeding therapy sessions to establish oral readiness for tube wean. Once oral readiness is established, the feeding specialist will collaborate with team members to begin transition to oral feedings.