Pediatric cardiology tube weaning

What is pediatric cardiology tube weaning?

Tube weaning is the process of helping a child eat by mouth, instead of through a feeding tube. Many children with congenital heart defects congenital heart defects will use a feeding tube during early life. Generally, after they have healed from heart surgery, our goal is to transition from using a feeding tube to eating by mouth.

Weaning is a weeks-long process; they cannot stop using the feeding tube overnight. Our tube weaning program specialists can help guide you through the process and ensure your child gets the nutrition they need.

What are the benefits of pediatric cardiology tube weaning?

Tube weaning as early as your child can is important for their development.

Eating food by mouth has many benefits including:

• Increased oral motor skills

• Improved inclusion in social aspects of meals

• Improved quality of life for the child and the parent

• Reduced risk of respiratory infections

Our program is highly specialized to help children who have congenital heart problems. Our cardiologists ensure that your child is healthy and strong enough for tube weaning. We also understand how to customize a plan for your child. For instance, we know if your child needs to stop any heart medicines like diuretics before tube weaning.

What are the side effects of pediatric cardiology tube weaning?

Most children who are tube weaning will lose some weight. This is normal but can feel concerning for parents. We will monitor weight closely and work with you to help improve nutrition from foods eaten by mouth. We will follow your child until your child gains weight.

What are the risks of pediatric cardiology tube weaning?

Children who are tube weaning likely take in fewer liquids than they did while tube feeding. This can put your child at risk of issues such as constipation or mild dehydration.

We’ll work with you to monitor for these problems and help lower these risks. Each day, you’ll enter your child’s food and drink intake into an app. Our team will monitor your child’s intake and let you know if changes to the plan are needed.

How do I prepare my child for pediatric cardiology tube weaning?

We also recommend your child participate in speech therapy and occupational therapy (OT). These services help your child gain the oral skills and fine motor skills they need to eat.

You can also ask your dietitian about condensing tube feeds so that your child eats fewer times per day, but eats more at those meal times. Bigger tube feeds can help prepare your child’s stomach for eating meals.

What questions should I ask my provider about pediatric cardiology tube weaning?

• Who can I call if I have questions about my child’s weaning process?

• Are there any signs that my child is not ready for tube weaning?

• Would my child benefit from speech and/or occupational therapy (OT)?

• Are there any foods I should avoid during tube weaning?

• How can I keep my child safe from choking during tube weaning?

• How much weight should I expect my child to lose during tube weaning?

• What should I do if my child is constipated during tube weaning?