The other side of the G-Tube

zoeyandsummersmom

We fought for months for my DD not to have a gtube. Even in the NICU, they were debating sending her home with an NG tube. She later got an NG tube and then we thought we were okay as she was marginally doing better. For months we counted every calorie every mililiter that she took. Finally, we were convinced a gtube would be the best thing for her. It has been less than a month since DD's surgery and she has put on over a pound. She is more active and engaged than she has ever been in her whole life. She is a different baby. For the first time I feel like I can enjoy her as her and not worry about trying to shove food into her all the time because she isn't eating enough.

She takes food and formula by day via her mouth and gets formula and frozen BM (which has a lipase issue) via the tube at night.

I know people are always scared to have their little ones come home with extra equipment and have to undergo surgery, but in our case it really was the best thing for her. I just wanted to share my story with others because g-tubes seem really scary, but it can be a great thing.

pathfindermon

That's wonderful!  I'm so glad its working out so well!!

Mrs. Alice

Glad to hear it's been a success!  I have heard similar things from other tubie moms.

Belleza907

I'm glad it's working out so well for you and your little one!

thishappyhouse

Im so glad you posted this.  As a parent that was getting the "g-tube talk" I often urge parents to resist it when it is brought up around term, mostly because I believe there are many babies who just need more time but others need it.  Clearly you and your daughter did everything in your power to try the alternatives first and the g-tube sounds like it was the best option and has made her thrive.  Im so glad she is doing well.

Do you still live in Stamford?  We are in Fairfield  

zoeyandsummersmom

thishappyhouse:

Im so glad you posted this.  As a parent that was getting the "g-tube talk" I often urge parents to resist it when it is brought up around term, mostly because I believe there are many babies who just need more time but others need it.  Clearly you and your daughter did everything in your power to try the alternatives first and the g-tube sounds like it was the best option and has made her thrive.  Im so glad she is doing well.

Do you still live in Stamford?  We are in Fairfield  

Yes, we do. I have a ton of great specialists if you ever need anyone.  

ijustcantthinkrightnow

I fought very hard about it too, but agree it need up being the best thing. DD is 18 months and working hard towards oral feeds.

 

DrRx

I'm so glad that she's doing so much better! And I think that it's great that you've posted this! I haven't had this kind of issue, but I've read about other moms who were scared about it and it turned out to be the best thing for their kid.