There are 3 methods for delivering a G-tube feeding

  • gravity

    Gravity Feeding

    • Formula is placed in a container suspended above and flows down through the tube
    • A clamp on the feeding set and the height of the bag control the feeding rate
    • Formula is delivered into the tube by gravity. This method is slower than feeding with a syringe
  • syringe

    Syringe (bolus) feeding

    • Formula is placed in a syringe and flows slowly into the feeding tube; the height of the syringe controls the feeding rate
    • In push-syringe feeding, the formula can be injected gently into the tube
    • Refer to manufacturer’s instructions
  • pump

    Pump feeding

    • Pump feeding is the method used to deliver formula into the stomach
    • Formula is fed directly from a ready-to-feed container or poured into a feeding container and pumped through the G-tube into the body
    • The pump can deliver continuous feedings or intermittent bolus feedings

    Visit www.oley.org to read inspiring stories about people who have successfully integrated tube-feeding into their lives.

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    Prepare

    • Prepare the formula
    • Check the tube position (ask your healthcare provider how often)
    • Flush the feeding tube with prescribed amount of water

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    Begin feeding

    For gravity feedings

    • Hang the feeding container about 2 feet above and to the side of your child’s feeding tube
    • Remove cover from the end of the feeding set
    • Prime the feeding set; let formula flow until it comes out the end of the tube
    • Choose a safe, comfortable position (eg, sitting up in a chair, propped up in a bed or on a couch)
    • Insert tip of feeding set into the tube and slowly open clamp on the tubing
    • Set the flow to your child’s feeding plan
    • Use the clamp to control the flow until you achieve your desired rate
    • When feeding is complete, close the clamp
    • If your healthcare provider has told you to take extra water after feedings:
      • Pour the prescribed amount into the feeding container
      • Slowly open the clamp on the tubing
      • Use the clamp to control the flow until you achieve your desired rate
      • When water is gone, close the clamp on the feeding set and disconnect the set tubing from the feeding tube

    For syringe feedings

    • Find a comfortable place in your home for feedings
    • Choose a safe, comfortable position (eg, sitting up in a chair, propped up in a bed, half-sitting on a couch)
    • Flush the feeding tube with prescribed amount of water
    • For drip method, remove the plunger from the syringe
    • For push method, draw formula into syringe by pulling back on plunger
    • Place syringe tip into the feeding tube
    • Hold the syringe above your child’s stomach
    • Pour measured formula into the syringe
    • For drip method, allow the formula to flow into the feeding tube until gone
    • For push method, slowly inject formula into the feeding tube using the plunger of the syringe
    • If your healthcare provider has told you to take extra water after feedings:
      • For push method
        • Draw prescribed amount of water into the syringe by pulling back on the plunger
        • Place tip of the syringe into the feeding tube and slowly inject water using the plunger of the syringe
      • For drip method
        • Remove plunger from the syringe and place tip of syringe into the feeding tube
        • Slowly pour the prescribed amount of water into the syringe and allow it to flow into the feeding tube until it is gone

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    Check tube placement

    • If the G-tube is kept in place with a skin disk, make sure it is not tight against the skin
    • Check its position using the markings on the tube
    • If the tube has moved or has come out, do not use it–go to the emergency room and take the tube with you

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    Call your child’s doctor or nurse for the following:

    • Vomiting
    • Blood in or around the feeding tube
    • Formula or stomach contents leaking around the tube site
    • Red, sore, or swollen tube site
    • Tube clog that you can’t flush out with warm water
    • Unusual, excessive, or foul-smelling drainage from the tube site (stoma)