Change from tube feeding to puréed/solids

euanhall
euanhall Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited October 2022 in Families and carers
Hello. My niece is seven years old and has Down syndrome. She has been tube fed her full life but we have tried (on the advice of S&L) to continue trying her with wee bits of solids and some water, which unfortunately doesn’t seem to be working. My thoughts are on trying to wean her like you would a baby so going back to puréed foods etc so she understands how to swallow etc first. Has anyone else been through similar and/or got any advice at all? Any help will be greatly appreciated. 

Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Good morning and welcome @euanhall, thanks for posting your query. I'm sorry to hear that the solids and water aren't working as well as hoped for your niece. 

    I'm not an expert by any means, but your thoughts on trying pureed foods sound worth a go to me, have you talked about the idea with Speech and Language?
  • Cher_Alumni
    Cher_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,714 Championing
    @euanhall Hi, just dropping by to see how your niece was getting on?

    It makes absolute sense to start with blended and mashed food that's easier to swallow and slowly build the muscle.  However, I'd first check with S&L as suggested by Alex, and also explore a referral to a dietician via the GP/hospital team, if she isn't already under one. They would be best placed (and qualified) to help navigate this change, and the priority is to do it with as least disruption to your lovely niece as possible.

    Please let us know how she gets on, and wishing you and your family all the best. 

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