FAQs

People need food for health, energy, growth, and development. Food has calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. Because the feeding goes right into the stomach, it does not matter what it tastes like, so flavor does not need to be added.

There are many formulas or feeding choices for getting the nutrition through your feeding tube. The food that goes through the feeding tube can be called many different things:

• Feeding
• Formula
• Nutrition
• Liquid food

Your healthcare team will choose what is best for you. A dietitian will work with you to make a feeding plan. They will help you find a feeding schedule that fits best into your family routine. This can change as your needs change.

Some people who have a feeding tube may still be able to eat food by mouth but not able to get all the important nutrients their body needs orally. They use their feeding tube for getting extra nutrition. However, being able to eat by mouth depends on your medical condition and the reason for having a feeding tube.

This will depend on what type of feeding tube you have. Some feeding tubes are given into the stomach while others are given into the intestines. The stomach can hold a larger volume of food. The intestines cannot hold food in the same way so feedings need to be given slowly. This gives the body time to absorb the nutrients. Feedings can be given during the day or night, or both.

Here are some common ways to feed through a feeding tube:

• Bolus feeding: This is also called “intermittent” feeding. It is when a set amount of nutrition is given through the tube over a short period of time, usually about 20 minutes. It travels down the tube using gravity with a syringe or an electric pump.
• Continuous feeding: This is where your nutrition is given over a few hours. This method of feeding often uses an electric pump to push the nutrition into the tube.
• Combination feeding: This uses both methods. It is common to get bolus feedings during the day and a continuous feeding overnight.

Sometimes you may need extra water to meet daily fluid needs. Just like people drink something along with their meal, you will need some extra water with your nutrition. This is called “extra free water.” Your healthcare team or dietitian will tell you how much extra free water you need. Extra water is often given after medicine, or in between or after feedings.

Even if you may not be eating anything by mouth, it is still important to care for your teeth. Clean your teeth routinely with a toothbrush or oral swabs.