To tube feed or not to tube feed?

[4mpm3]

A couple of clarifications. She was not jsut born at 75th percentile, she was there or above for the first seven months of her life. It was at that point when she fell off rapidly. Games & such for eating aren't really a solution because she has shown clear food aversion. For months she didn't want anything in her mouth, especially food. At seven months, if any food got in she would leave her mouth dangling open until it dribbled out. At ten months, the highlight of her eating would be sucking an animal cracker--but as soon as it turned soft or started to break up, she would put it down rather than risk swallowing something. She would go through spells where she would clearly be hungry (rumbling stomach, for example), and would drink half an ounce and then stop abruptly. So it's not really an issue of her just being a small baby or going at her own pace (which, obviously, would be fine). But it's also not an issue of her having an underlying physical abnormality.

Putting a g-tube in before, when she didn't eat even a crumb, would have been an easier decision. The problem for us is that she's shown progress, just not enough to meet her caloric needs. If there's anyone who's been in a similar situation--considering putting a g-tube in a toddler or a baby with food aversion, we'd love to hear how it worked for you. In the meantime, thanks for all your replies so far!

[Jac]

Just stumbled across this post now but probably too late - what did you decide? My feeling (as a speech therapist) is to hold off on tube if she has started eating. It may take a while but it is wonderful that she is making progress as it sounds like she has a significant aversion to oral intake. My experience is the sooner you can get her to take food orally the better you will go in the long run. If she doesn't need the food (because she has the tube) you could find it harder to get her to want to eat orally (as she will feel full). It's such a difficult decision though as she certainly needs the nutrition. I presume you are seeing a speechy to assist with oral intake suggestions? She is still very young so I'm sure whatever you decide she will make gains either way. Best of luck and my thoughts are with you.