There are 3 methods for delivering a G-tube feeding
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 (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 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
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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
- For push method
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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)