Tube feeds at home can become familiar after a while – at the start it takes patience.
Preparation
- Keep supplies within reach; a visible checklist on the wall can help.
- Set up a calm corner with good lighting.
- Embed feeds into the rhythm of the day – not rushed in between.
During the feed
- Bring in closeness, your voice and skin-to-skin contact where possible.
- Allow breaks if the baby shows stress.
- Integrate sucking practice (e.g. dummy, small drops of breast milk) after checking with your team.
Getting help
- For vomiting, breathing problems or a displaced tube: the preemie outpatient clinic or the non-emergency medical on-call service (in Germany, 116117). Emergency: 112.
- Social-paediatric centres support many families over the long term.
You will learn this routine – step by step.