Possible NG feeding tube fitted today :(

[zeromango]

Good morning MN,

My 8 month old DD is very likely going to have an NG tube in today as she is failure to thrive (she also has additional needs so the weight loss is having a negative effect) and all other options have been exhausted - please could I have some advice or input as to how this was for your DC please? Just feeling very very overwhelmed, anxious and somewhat of a failure Thank you.

She won't like it being put in, but it's okay once it's there. It will help her to grow and that will support the rest of her development.

You're not a failure because you're getting the help your DD needs, that's your job, to look after her. You're doing a great job, well done, good luck.

Please don't feel like a failure, there is absolutely nothing to feel guilty about. You are doing an amazing job for your little one making sure she will be getting the care she needs and sound like a brilliant Mummy. It will make things so much easier once it is in for all of you. Everything will be OK Mama, you can do this 💪💪. Sending you lots of love from another additional needs Mum.

I have no direct experience of this but just wanted to say you are the opposite of a failure. You’re taking the steps needed to allow your baby to be nourished. You’re doing exactly what good parents do.

You are not a failure, please don't think that!!

I would advise leaving the room when they put the tube in. It took a while to get my dd to swallow hers and it really upset me as I couldn't do anything.

Thank you all, your comments made me cry. She's just had it in and I left the room but I'm absolutely distraught, I can't stop crying. She keeps screaming and it keeps coming out. Does it get better after a certain period? I am an emotional wreck.

My son had a gastric or g-tube placed for FTT 17+ years ago. He was a preemie with severe lung disease and couldn't keep up enough intake to sustain his numerous illnesses and he also was silently aspirating causing repetitive pneumonia.
I promise you you are doing right by your baby. My son has cerebral palsy and he's a good height/weight now when I never thought we'd get there ever! He's now 18.5!
He still has his tube (great for giving hydration and medication!
PM me if you need any other info

It gets easier as you both get used to it. Talk to the nurses and let them help you. You're doing a great job

Hello OP DD1 had an ng tube for close to a year due to severe cows milk allergy and failure to thrive.
Your little one won't like it being put in and it may be difficult for you to watch but remember that it's just temporary and is there to help and will take the pressure off you as I remember always being obsessed with her weight and trying to avoid yet another hospital admission.
My one word of advice would be to learn how to insert it yourself. DD was around 8 months when hers was first inserted and it is prone to being pulled out by their little hands or coming loose when they have snotty noses and colds. Sometimes it can come out more than once and it would mean a trip waiting hours either for nurses to come to the house or going to the children's hospital and waiting. Once I learnt how to do it then I was just able to insert it and get on with my day. I hope you are ok. I found it such a stressful time but you will get through it.

You are not a failure. It's temporary and is what's best for her. I too struggled with all these emotions. Please feel free to ask me any questions you have. I've been in your position

Hi OP - you’re absolutely not a failure, you’re doing what’s best for your baby.
My DD had an NG tube for the first 5-6 months of her life because she was prem and needed heart surgery and couldn’t get the hang of a bottle. She’s nearly 5 now and on the 90th percentile for height and weight (ulp!).
I second what a PP said about learning to pass the tube yourself - I didn’t and it became a source of real stress, having to go to A&E (again and again) or wait anxiously for the community nurse to arrive.