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Author: Katie D’Amico – a first-time mom living in the midwest with her family.
If you had told me months ago that I wouldn’t bottle or breastfeed my baby, I wouldn’t have believed you. I didn’t even realize there was another way to feed a baby.
My son, Colin, has been fed in multiple ways in his short life: by breast, bottle, an NG tube (through his nose), and now a G-tube (through his stomach). He was born healthy, and at seven weeks, airway obstructions were discovered. Since then, he has been exclusively tube-fed with fortified breast milk and Bobbie formula* (as approved by my healthcare provider) while he re-learns to swallow—something most of us do over 900 times a day without thinking. Through it all, he has never stopped smiling and loves tummy time.
This journey has taught me about so much more than how to tube feed. It has taught me about empathy, courage, and gratitude. It has taught me about confidence and the importance of advocating for my family. While tube feeding certainly comes with challenges, I have learned to focus on the positives instead of the negatives.
Tube feeding often feels like a taboo topic. Many parents, myself included, feel a sense of discomfort about tube feeding in public because we are worried about judgement or curious stares. By sharing our story, my hope is to help Tubie parents feel more empowered to feed however they need to and help normalize tube feeding for everyone.
To do this, we need to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about tube feeding. These myths not only fuel the discomfort many parents feel but also create unnecessary barriers for those who rely on this life-saving method.
Myth #1: All babies are either breast and/or bottle fed.
Not all babies are able to feed at the breast or bottle. Some babies have to rely on alternative methods such as NG tubes or G-tubes due to medical conditions, developmental challenges, or other circumstances. Assuming people are feeding their baby via one of two “traditional” methods can unintentionally exclude those who rely on tube feeding. It’s important to recognize and normalize that there are multiple ways to nourish a baby, all of which are valid options.
Myth #2: Tube feeding is uncommon.
Tube feeding is actually more common than many people realize. In the U.S., over 500,000 children and adults rely on feeding tubes daily. Additionally, approximately 20% of infants in NICUs require some form of tube feeding due to prematurity, medical conditions, or feeding difficulties. Source
Myth #3: Tube-fed children are sickly and can’t do normal things.
The method of feeding does not define a child’s abilities. Many children with feeding tubes are living active, happy lives. There are many reasons a child could need a feeding tube, many of which are not extreme, chronic conditions. Colin, for example, is tube fed as he re-learns how to swallow and safely eat by mouth again.
Myth #4: Tube feeding is difficult and should only be done by medical professionals.
There is no question about it, tube feeding is intimidating. I will never forget the first time I practiced inserting an NG tube on a doll, then minutes later having to insert one for real on my son. If you’re reading this as a new Tubie parent who is nervous, just know that it gets easier. Advances in technology, such as portable feeding pumps and low-profile g-tubes, have made the experience better and enabled us to integrate feeding into our daily lives. We’ve also trained our immediate family and other caregivers and within days they were able to pick it up and do Colin’s feeds on their own!
Myth #5: Tube feeding is not a good thing.
Our goal has always been the same: to nourish our baby, Colin, in whatever way he needs. Tube feeding has enabled Colin to receive essential nutrients, hydration, medication… and more. During Colin’s tube feeds, we can now also cuddle and read books, walk around outside, and even all eat together as a family. After struggling to feed and thrive his first few months of life, we are especially grateful for the tube. It has been both life saving and life changing.
Let’s set the record straight and start changing the way we talk about tube feeding—because every way of nourishing a child deserves respect and support.
*Disclaimer: Bobbie is intended for healthy, full-term infants and off-label use, including for tube feeding, should be used under the direction of a physician.