Question 1

why would a  baby need a gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

To be fed: Some babies may have conditions that do not allow them to eat by mouth or take in enough calories by mouth feeding. Some of these conditions are cerebral palsy, reflux, heart defects, aspiration, vocal cord paralysis, or cleft palate.

Question 2

when must i seek help if my baby has a gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the tube falls out and you cannot get it back in. If the balloon on the tube is broken then a new tube is required. If the infant does not tolerate gtube feeds and vomits and runs risk of dehydration.

Question 3

how would i   feed my baby through his gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

Several ways: Babies can be fed by bolus through the tube or by continuous drip. Bolus allows the feeding to go slowly into the stomach over 20-30 minutes. This allows the baby to be paced. Drip means slower smaller volumes going into the stomach continuously and usually uses a pump.

Question 4

how do you administer or start a gastrostomy tube feeding?

Accepted Answer

Instructions: You should be supplied proper information from your surgeon, nurse, or hospital dietician. There are many types of feedings available & need to be tailored to the person's needs. Not complicated, but need the proper training & instructions to be done correctly.

Question 5

what problems can happen when my baby has a gastrostomy tube in place?

Accepted Answer

Falling out/blockage: The common problems related to a g-tube include: site care - sometimes the gastric juices cause chronic irritation around the site requiring regular skin care ; obstruction, be sure to follow instructions for flushing after use; falling out, if the g tube anchor deflates and the tube falls out it needs to be re-inserted soon or the hole will begin to close.

Question 6

what are the differences between gastrostomy tube and nasogastric tube?

Accepted Answer

2 ways to stomach: Nasogastric tube is a temporary tube to your stomach inserted through your nose.  It's frequently used to empty out stomach to minimize nausea and generally used in acute care settings.  A gastrostomy tube is place via endoscopy or surgery and can be maintained indefinitely if necessary.  It is commonly done as a "feeding tube" to provide nutrition support.

Question 7

how can i help make my baby comfortable if  he has a gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

Venting: Sometimes babies swallow air that they cannot burp. This distends the stomach and makes them uncomfortable. Venting the tube and draining the air will make them more comfortable. It is like "burping" them through the tube.

Question 8

how do i know if my baby's gastrostomy tube need to be replaced or removed?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If your baby is able to eat by mouth and maintain good growth velocity for 2-3 months without needing or using the feeding tube then it most likely can be discontinued. If the tube is needed and it leakes or clogs then it should be replaced some tubes are only good for 3-4 months at a stretch.

Question 9

how does a mom  care for the skin around  baby's gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

Easy: Keep it clean with soap and water. Use whatever type of baby wash you would normally use. Sometimes a crust developes this can be wiped gently with warm water several times a day. This is common when the tube is new. After several months the tube site will become lines with skin (epithelium) and be much easier to care for.

Question 10

when must i call the doctor if my baby has a gastrostomy tube?

Accepted Answer

If tube falls out,: If there is severe skin excoriation or infection at the tube site, or if there is appreciable bleeding.

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Doctor answers about:

Mickey button gastrostomy tube

A member asked:

Why would a baby need a gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

When must i seek help if my baby has a gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

How would i feed my baby through his gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

How do you administer or start a gastrostomy tube feeding?

A member asked:

What problems can happen when my baby has a gastrostomy tube in place?

A member asked:

What are the differences between gastrostomy tube and nasogastric tube?

A member asked:

How can i help make my baby comfortable if he has a gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

How do i know if my baby's gastrostomy tube need to be replaced or removed?

A member asked:

How does a mom care for the skin around baby's gastrostomy tube?

A member asked:

When must i call the doctor if my baby has a gastrostomy tube?

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