Problems with eating after NG tubes

Hi Ladies,

My son had an extended stay in hospital after birth due to bowel surgery. Every day for three months he had an NG tube. He is now almost 18 months and we have had quite some diffculty with him eating. We see a Speechie and OT to help, but I feel like:wall: as they offer great advice, but......it doesnt lead to long term help.
Any advice on how to get him to be more accepting of solids would be a great help.
Sorry if this sounds muddled, I know what I am trying to say but the words aren't quite coming out right, but anyone who has been there and can offer any help, I would be eternally greatful

Hi Cherisse, I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing probs in the eating department. So are we! My son, Gussy, had 9wks with an NG tube after birth. He is now 19months old however has NEVER seemingly enjoyed eating or drinking. In late October last year Gussy completely stopped eating and drinking and to this day still won't consume anything other than a few sips of water. Tis a HUGE HUGE worry for us. We have had an NG tube in since November and that remains our only way of feeding him. We keep offering him food and drinks at mealtimes, but he won't swallow a thing. We have an enormous number of specialists and experts (17 at last count!) helping us but Gussy has them perplexed. I keep wondering whether he would eat if the NG tube wasn't there. I imagine that it can't be comfortable having it dangling down the back of his throat. I am keen to read some helpful replies to your post.

Hi Kirsty

At least we now know we are not alone. Jett had an NG for 8 weeks while he was in NICU, then 4 weeks at the Childrens Hospital, I had been given LIGHT reading on NG tubes as the hospital was more than certain Jett would come home with NG feeding tube, but fortunately the day before discharge he took 100mls from a bottle, HOORAY. It was a slow uphill battle from there at first, but slowly now we are seeing more and more progress. He now will eat off a spoon, but gags and throws up when he has, say for instance, a sandwich, it is like there is too much for him to concerntrate on...(the whole holding, putting to mouth, chewing, swallowing etc) I share your frustration. He has a visit with the speechy and OT this week, so hopefully they can open a few more doors for us, will let you know how all goes, maybe we can help each other

Take Care

Hi Reeceydoll

My son Zeke had an NGT for 3 months after birth. While he doesn't have problems with swallowing now, he has been closely monitored by an ENT specialist as he apparently was at risk of developing throat nodules which could have impacted on his ability to swallow effectively. I don't know if seeing an ENT Dr is an option for you, but perhaps you could discuss it with your speechie?

Wow Theresa, I'll be really interested to hear whether Em starts swallowing now. We have had a couple of 20 hour periods without a tube when there has been a problem of some sort and in none of those times has Gussy eaten any food or even sipped more than water. Our speechy says in her experience it will take a week or so of no tube for the sensation of the tube being in the back of the throat to be gone. Fingers crossed it doesn't take little Em long to start eating. How exciting if it works! Will be sending her loads of eating vibes. xx

Hi Ladies,


Dont know what has changed in the past week, but Jett has been responding VERY well to his attitude with food, eating, the whole schamozzle!!!! YAY, he ate a vegemite sandwich today, well started to eat it, but responded a lot better when it was broken up and small pieces handed to him, one by one. But its progress. And also finally got him off Heinz apple and oatmeal canned food for breakfast, and subsituted it for weet-bix with apple sauce, sounds gross, but at leat he is no longer only eating A&O for breakkie.

Theresa, hoping all goes well with Em with the no NG.....fingers crossed


Take Care LAdies