Steps to Tube-Feeding

A lot of people, who find out that my son is 100% tube-fed, usually ask me to describe how we feed James. So as not to stretch your imagination too much, here's the step-by-step procedure told in photos :)

1. Prep the G-tube button

2. Insert one end of the extension tube to the button

3. Make sure the button and extension tube are attached properly to each other

4. Insert the 60cc syringe to the other end of the extension tube

5. Ensure that the syringe and extension tube are connected properly

6. Prepare the crushed Phenobarbital tablet (this is James' anti-seizure medication taken once a day)

7. Pour a little water in the syringe

8. Add the Phenobarb to the water

9. Prep the formula/blenderized food in the feeding bag

10. Join the feeding bag's spout to the end of the feeding tube extension

11. Regulate the milk flow (if using gravity feeding without a pump)

12. Take photo of happy kid being tube-fed :p

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I Am The Child

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Mothers of Disabled Children

The piece below was written by Erma Bombeck on May 11, 1980, almost three decades ago. It has remained a powerful encouragement to many mothers whose kids have special needs. Happy Mothers' Day to all you wonderful moms out there, especially my kindred souls who were also chosen to take care of special angels in this world! === Most women became mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes. "Armstrong, Beth; son; patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecilia. Finally he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child." photo borrowed from polyvore.com The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She...

About This Blog

Hi everyone! This site is created to chronicle the life of Gideon James Floresca , born a preemie on September 18, 1997. He has been diagnosed with global psychomotor delay and has the spastic quadriplegic type of cerebral palsy . Look how small James was when he was born! He has been "eating" via a feeding tube since he was five due to failure to thrive. From an NGT (naso-gastric tube) that we used for more than 3 years, he underwent surgery in 2005 so a gastrostomy tube can be placed directly in his tummy. In March 2008, we were able to afford a Bard button which made feeding him so much easier. He's currently 100% tube-fed with complete food formula. James at 4 months old It is our hope that his story will serve to inspire and encourage even families with "normal" children. Join us in our continuous journey of hope :)

Gideon James' Journey

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