Types of Feeding Tubes: G-Tube Feeding

How to manage G-tube feedings

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

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

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

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