A supportive path away from tube feeding
When infants and children have health or medical challenges early in life, they sometimes need a feeding tube to support their growth, nutrition, and hydration. Some children continue to depend on tube feeding even after their health or medical challenge has improved.
The Children’s Minnesota tube wean program helps reduce feeding tube dependence in a safe, supportive, and structured way. Our care team includes a advanced practice provider, registered dietitian, occupational therapist, and speech‑language pathologist.
Is your child ready for the tube wean program?
The following criteria need to be true before our team will initiate a feeding tube wean:
- The medical need for the feeding tube is now stable.
- Your child’s weight and growth are in a safe place.
- Your child has been growing steadily on their current feeding plan.
- Your child is 2 years of age or younger.
- Your family is ready and committed to begin the program.
Take the next step
If you think your child might be ready to participate in our tube wean program, please contact your primary doctor to request a referral for the Children’s Minnesota g-tube wean program.
Why choose the tube wean program
- Length of program: Weekly visits with our team for six to eight weeks during the initial tube wean.
- Growth and hydration monitoring: Some weight loss is expected during the program. We will monitor growth and hydration closely and stop/reassess if your child meets a 10% weight loss from their starting weight.
- Post-wean follow-up: We schedule follow-up appointments after the wean program at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months to make sure your child is growing and developing healthy relationships with food.
- Therapies and skill building: Our occupational therapist and speech therapist will help your child learn about different food textures and varieties. They may also help your child learn to use utensils or cups and ensure they are safe while eating and drinking.
- Family support: We provide caregiver education and support throughout the whole process.
