Tube Weaning Program

Many healthy children, who are capable of feeding orally, continue to be tube-fed long term because of behavioral reasons for feeding refusal which are overlooked. Tube-feeding then serves to further reduce a baby’s motivation and willingness to feed orally.

We understand that tube weaning can be a challenging and overwhelming journey for parents. Our team believes that taking a holistic approach is crucial for achieving long-term success and creating a positive experience for your family.

With Rowena Bennett's tube weaning program we take a gentle and gradual approach. We closely monitor your baby's progress and make adjustments to the plan as needed. Our ultimate goal is to help your baby develop a positive relationship with food and learn to eat independently, at their own pace, in the comfort of their own home.

G Tube Weaning Help

There are various reasons why a child may be tube-fed..

◦ An unresolved breast or bottle-feeding aversion

◦ Poor growth

◦ Extreme prematurity

◦ Medical condition

◦ Ineffective sucking and swallowing

◦ Aspiration risk

◦ Preparation for surgery

We can help if your child is:

  • Cleared to tube wean from their medical team.

  • Less than 2 years old.

  • Your child has demonstrated the ability to safely orally feed, even a little or has been cleared to safely swallow.

Is our program suitable for your baby?

Some babies have a greater chance at successfully tube-weaning compared to others.

Babies who score a '1' have the best chance of success, while those who score a '6' have a lower chance, though success is still possible.

  • Baby has fed well in the past and is still currently feeding orally, but is also being topped up with the tube.

  • Baby has fed well in the past and has only recently stopped feeding orally, and is currently fully tube fed.

  • Baby does not have a proven history of feeding well orally, but there is no underlying reason to suspect that they are incapable of doing so.

  • Baby does not have a proven history of feeding well orally, and there are doubts or concerns about their capability of doing so.

  • Baby is fully tube dependent, and has no desire or motivation to feed orally.

  • Baby is fully tube dependent, and is incapable of sucking/swallowing safely or effectively.

Which approach is best for your baby?

For some babies, a preparation tube-weaning consultation is required to set them up with a greater chance of success, before they can attempt a tube-wean.

    Preparation Tube Weaning Consultation

    If your baby meets ANY of the below criteria, a preparation tube-weaning consultation will be required:

    ◦ Baby scores a 4 – 6 on the tube-weaning Success Rating Scale

    ◦ Baby has not fed orally for a month or more

    ◦ Baby has a complex medical history (eg. congenital birth defects, surgical interventions, requires oxygen)  

    ◦ Baby is severely underweight in BMI

    Once you have completed your preparation tube-weaning period and baby is ready to attempt a tube-wean, you can then book a standard tube-weaning consultation.

    For all other babies who do not meet the above criteria, a standard tube-weaning consultation is suitable.

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    Baby Tube Weaning Program

    Standard Tube Weaning Consultation

    If your baby doesn't meet the preparation tube wean criteria, you are welcome to book a standard tube weaning consultation.

    Please contact us below if you are unsure of which consultation your baby needs

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    Still have questions?

    Contact us today. For all tube weaning enquiries, please provide current weight and length and reason for tube.