What is an infant feeding tube?
A feeding, or gavage, tube is a device by which infants are able to obtain necessary nutrition and medication. This is especially important, and often critical, for newborns and infants who are not getting adequate nutrients in their diet or who are not able to eat on their own, either due to prematurity or an existing physical condition. In most cases, an infant feeding tube will be introduced and used in a hospital setting. However, in some cases, it may be necessary for the infant feeding tube to be used at home as well. Not only can the tube be used to provide the baby with nutrition, but it can also be used as a means of delivering necessary medications to the feeding tube infant as well.
How can an infant feeding tube be used?
An infant feeding tube can either be used solely when the medications and foods are being delivered or as an indwelling tube. The latter refers to a tube that remains in place within the feeding tube infant for an extended period of time and during multiple feedings and dosages. The feeding tube is typically used for infants who are still in need of either formula or breast milk. Without a doubt, these are the most common foods administered to a feeding tube infant.
When might an infant be in need of a feeding tube?
In most cases, a feeding tube is required when infants do not possess the muscle coordination or strength to properly breastfeed or to drink formula from a bottle. While this is the primary reason for a feeding tube infant, there are several other reasons why nutrition via a feeding tube may be required. These additional reasons include:
- Irregular weight gain or lack of weight gain entirely
- The absence of a strong suckling ability
- A poor swallowing reflex
- Gastrointestinal or abdominal defects
- Respiratory complications or distress
- Electrolyte imbalances or issues with elimination
How is a feeding tube properly inserted?
The bedside nurse is typically the one to insert an infant feeding tube, although doctors have been known to perform the insertion on occasion as well. Prior to inserting the feeding tube into the nose or mouth of the infant, he or she will:
- Measure the length from the infant's stomach to his or her mouth or nose.
- Mark the tube to indicate the proper length.
- Lubricate the tip of the tube with a sterile water-based lubricant or water.
Once the tube has been properly prepared, the feeding tube is then ready for insertion into the mouth or nose. The infant feeding tube is then inserted into the mouth or nose of the feeding tube infant very carefully and slowly.
In order to ensure that the the device is inserted correctly within the feeding tube infant, the nurse may proceed to insert a little bit of air into the tube and then listen to the stomach to ensure that the contents are reaching the desired location. While this is an easy method that is commonly used to ensure that the infant feeding tube is properly placed, the following method is perhaps the most effective means of determining proper tube positioning without the need of an X-ray. This method is as follows:
- The nurse will withdraw a small amount of fluid from the stomach.
- The fluid will then be tested with a pH strip.
If there is still any doubt about the positioning of the feeding tube, the doctor may order an X-ray so that the tube can be properly visualized. The proper placement of the tube is absolutely essential so as to ensure that the food is being passed to the stomach and not to the lungs, where a number of unwanted complications and potentially serious issues could occur.
Once the tube has been properly placed, the tube is taped to either the nose or the mouth to ensure that it stays in place. In the event that the baby has a skin condition such as eczema or has generally sensitive skin, a pectin barrier or paste might be used in order to prevent the tape from coming into direct contact with the infant's skin. This will prevent the skin from tearing or becoming unnecessarily irritated when the tape and the tube are removed. As an alternative to regular tape, some doctors and nurses will utilize a cloth tape that secures the tube behind the bone in the nostril.
Once it is confirmed that the tube is in the correct place and that the feeding tube is secured, the infant can then be given either formula or breast milk or any medication that may be required. All liquids are administered either through a syringe or an infusion pump. In order to comfort your baby, feeding tubes allow for parents to hold and cuddle their babies during use, which both provides consolation to the baby and peace of mind to the parents.
Once the baby is finished eating or receiving his or her medication, the doctor can cap off the feeding tube or remove it completely. The baby should remain in an upright position or at a slight incline in order to prevent the occurrence of regurgitation.
What types and sizes of feeding tube are available?
There are a number of feeding tubes available for medical use. They are typically composed of either silicone or polyurethane. There are several sizes of feeding tubes available, and each is designed with specific uses and needs in mind. Feeding tubes are available in a number of lengths and can be adjusted as needed. Also important to keep in mind is the diameter of these tubes, a measurement that is calculated in terms of French units, one of which is equal to 0.33 millimeters.
What is the 5fr feeding tube?
A 5fr feeding tube is five French units in diameter and is most commonly used to provide breast milk to infants who are unable to suckle correctly. Used in both term babies as well as those who were born prematurely, 5fr feeding tubes provides medical providers and parents with the ability to ensure that the infant is able to obtain the nutrition he or she needs.
The 5fr feeding tube also comes equipped with a convenient cap on the end to ensure that the 5fr feeding tube can be closed when not in use so as to prevent any unwanted objects or contaminants from entering the baby's stomach. This is particularly helpful when the doctor has determined that the feeding tube will remain in the baby's nose or mouth for an extended period of time.
A French 5 feeding tube is an essential lactation aid for mothers and their babies. Through the French 5 feeding tube, medical professionals and parents will be able to provide the baby with expressed breastmilk or formula as needed.
What are the risks associated with using a French 5 feeding tube?
Fortunately for babies and their parents, the use of a 5fr feeding tube is associated with very few risks. However, a French 5 feeding tube can be uncomfortable for the infant, despite the medical provider's careful insertion. In the event that a child begins to show distress when the 5fr feeding tube is inserted, it's recommended that a pacifier dipped in sucrose be used in order to pacify and calm the baby to reduce any discomfort.
While uncommon, some side effects of French 5 feeding tube use include:
- Minimal nasal bleeding
- Congestion in the nose
- Infection of the nasal passages
If your baby is in the hospital, the doctors and nurses will make sure to pay close attention to whether or not any complications arise due to French 5 feeding tube use. However, if you're at home and using a 5fr feeding tube, you'll want to pay close attention to signs of misplacement or other issues.
Improper placement of the 5fr feeding tube can cause severe issues including:
- Breathing difficulties
- Pneumonia
- Cardiac and respiratory arrest
In some cases, the French 5 feeding tube can be inserted incorrectly or it can become dislodged due to movement or improper use. The following signs can indicate that there is an issue with the placement of the French 5 feeding tube:
- Slowed heart rate
- Troubled breathing
- Regurgitation and vomiting
- Coughing
- Blue tinge around the mouth or nose
If any of these symptoms occur, immediate care is a must.
What can you expect emotionally when your child is using a feeding tube?
Seeing your child using a feeding tube can be an emotional experience but, fortunately, most children will only require this kind of assistance for a short period of time. It can be difficult to use a tube instead of being able to bottle-feed or breastfeed your baby but, in most cases, feeding tubes are only necessary until the baby is strong enough to be able to suckle on his or her own.
If you find yourself having a difficult time, speak with your child's doctor about your emotions and concerns. It's normal to feel insecure about the process and to have feelings of uncertainty and fear, but there are a number of resources and support groups available. Rest assured that you are not alone. If you believe that you may be experiencing signs of postpartum depression that may be exacerbated due to concerns over your child, make sure to speak to your doctor.
Sources
Outcomes of Infants with Home Tube Feeding: Comparing Nasogastric Versus Gastrostomy Tubes
Tube Feeding of Infants and Children
On to you
utcomes of Infants with Home Tube Feeding: Comparing Nasogastric Versus Gastrostomy Tubes
Now that you have some insights into different infant feeding tubes and how they work, what other questions do you have? Leave us a comment below or call us directly and we'd be happy to answer you.
-Marc Kaplan
CEO, Save Rite Medical
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Salesmen by day and educator by night —Save Rite Medical CEO, Marc Kaplan, strives to deliver goods at the best prices and valuable information to his audience. Subscribe to learn more.
