Feeding Tube Awareness Week✨🫶
This week, we celebrate the life-saving power of feeding tubes and the incredible strength of those who rely on them—like my brave, happy, and loving son, Archer.
Archer was born with a rare genetic disorder (NSD2) that prevents his body from absorbing food like most of us do. At just seven months old, he needed an NG tube to survive, and at one year old, he transitioned to a G-tube, which has been his lifeline ever since.
Without his feeding tube, Archer simply wouldn’t be here today. It has given him the chance to grow, to thrive, and to share his kindness and joy with the world.
Feeding tubes aren’t scary or unnatural—they are medical miracles that sustain so many lives. Awareness and understanding matter, not just for Archer but for all the children and adults who rely on this support every day.
To the parents navigating tube feeding, to the kids growing up with these life-saving devices, and to the amazing medical teams who make it all possible—you are seen, you are supported, and you are never alone.
#FeedingTubeAwareness #TubieLove #ArcherTheBrave #DifferentNotLess
Following up on Archer's story, I wanted to share a bit more about what feeding tubes truly mean for families like ours, especially during Feeding Tube Awareness Week. When we talk about 'pediatric peg tubes' or a 'g tube in stomach,' it can sound intimidating, but these devices are medical miracles that give children a chance at a full life. There are several types of feeding tubes, each serving a unique purpose. Archer started with an NG tube (nasogastric tube), which is a temporary tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. Many babies needing short-term support, or those with acute conditions, might use an NG tube, and seeing an NG tube taped to a baby's face, as we did with Archer, is often the first visual for many parents. For more long-term nutritional support, tubes like the G-tube (gastrostomy tube) become essential. A G-tube, often a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) initially, is placed directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. What many people see is the 'button peg tube'—a low-profile device that sits flat against the skin, making daily life much easier and less noticeable. This button, like the one we use, connects to a 'feeding pump' for delivering nutrition and medication directly. Some children might even use a GJ tube (gastrojejunostomy tube), which extends past the stomach into the small intestine, especially if stomach feeding isn't tolerated. For a 'feeding tube for baby' or any child, these devices are crucial when they can't eat enough orally to thrive due to conditions like Archer's rare genetic disorder, prematurity, severe reflux, or neurological challenges. The 'ng tube feeding procedure' or G-tube feeds become a normal part of our day. It involves connecting the feeding bag to the tube and letting the pump deliver nutrition, often overnight or in planned intervals. This ensures our children get the vital nutrients they need to grow, learn, and play, just like any other child. It’s important to remember that these aren't just tubes; they are lifelines. They enable children to reach milestones, share joy, and simply be kids. Spreading awareness helps demystify these devices and fosters a more understanding and supportive community for all the 'tubie' families out there. You are not alone on this journey.