How to Feed a Child with a GTube

When you stare down at all the equipment that comes with a G-tube feed, it's common to be overwhelmed. Don't worry; feeding a child with a G-tube is not as difficult as it may seem. Each piece can go in only one place. Also, the pump that is required has an "off" button. So if you find yourself standing in a puddle of formula, you can always stop the flow.

Things You'll Need

• Feedbag
• Formula
• IV pole, shower curtain rod or fairly highly located cupboard handle
• Pump
• 60cc syringe (plunger removed)
• Venting tube
• Extension tube
• Flush syringe

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Instructions

• 1

  Verify that the feedbag's red dial is in the "closed" position. Pour the correct amount of formula into the feedbag. Close the feedbag's top, and hang it from an IV pole, shower curtain rod or fairly highly located cupboard handle.

• 2

  Open the red dial slowly until formula drips all the way to the end of the feedbag's long tube, which is also referred to as "the line." Close the red dial. The line is now primed and ready to put into the pump.

• 3

  Attach the feedbag to the pump. Some models have fabric fastener straps to hold the feedbag in place. Wind the line through the pump according to the directions for your particular pump model. If you use a Kangaroo pump, be careful not to tip the eyelet section upside down, which can cause an "error" message.

• 4

  Provide venting to the child before feeding. Venting releases air from the stomach before the feed goes in the stomach. Attach the tip of a 60cc syringe (plunger removed) to the mouth of a venting tube. Place the tip of the venting tube in the G-tube button, and lock it into place. Release the clip on the venting tube. Wait for air to be released from the stomach. If air is not released, gently massage the child's stomach to assist in removing the air. When venting is completed, re-clamp the clip, and remove the venting tube from the G-tube button.

• 5

  Prime an extension tube with water before attaching it to the G-tube button. Clamp the white clip to the "closed" position. Insert the tip of a flush syringe into the mouth of the extension tube. Open the white clip, and push water through the extension tube until all the air is removed. Close the clip. Attach the extension tube to the G-tube button, and lock it in place.

  If the child requires a pre-feed flush, open the clip on the extension tube, and push in the required amount of water using the flush syringe.

• 6

  Attach the extension tube to the feed line, keeping all clips in the "closed" position. Ensure the child is seated comfortably and is not at risk of vomiting or gagging. If you don't use a gravity feed, turn on the pump. Using the buttons on the pump, specify the amount of formula to be given and the speed at which the pump should run. Move all clips and dials to the "open" position. Press "Start" on the pump.

• 7

  Turn off the pump when the feed is finished. Put all clips and dials to the "closed" position. Detach the feed line from the extension tube. Flush the extension tube with water. Clean the feedbag with warm water, and allow water to drain through the line to prevent future blockage.