Tag Archives: formula

Another Testimonial

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Blenderized RN. I love this Facebook group! So much support and encouragement for anyone interested in getting their loved one with a g-tube off formula and on to what the rest of us eat…FOOD! With every testimonial comes the oppurtunity to help the Healthcare system know that blenderized diets for people with gastric tubes works. Here is one such testimony from the group:

Our son’s check up today was absolute 360 from the clinic visit he had one year ago: he jumped from ~10-20th percentile to ~50-60th for height and weight, went from vomiting multiple times a week to rarely in a month, and instead of his doctors recommending more fluids to get his numbers down and more calories to get his growth up (both usually resulting in tolerance issues) they said everything is going so great; don’t change anything! The cherry on top was when the head of his team (nephrology) said: “We should really be encouraging families to start a blended diet sooner.” 👏🏻🙌🏻

One year ago, 100% of our son’s nutrition came from a formula. Today, all of his daily intake is real food. He still gets an overnight pump of a water/formula mix, and that balance works for him and our family. For anyone on the fence, give it a try. You don’t have to go all in right away. Every little bit can make a positive difference. It seems overwhelming but soon, like everything else, it will be second nature.

We had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. And gain, and gain, and gain he did!!! 💪🏻🍅🍊🍋🍏🍆🍗

Meet Sawyer

Testimonials, , , , , , ,

This testimonial is 1 of hundreds (if not thousands) listed in the Facebook group Blenderized RN. I only share these testimonials with the the permission of the original poster. Each one has a different background, diagnosis and journey but they all say the same thing…BLENDING REAL FOOD WORKS FOR TUBIES!

  • Before
  • After

Just want to give our “testimony” about blended foods, if anyone is hesitant about it. Sorry for the length.
I was super hesitant myself but my wonderful friend Kristen Nichole Leverett helped me SO MUCH.
My daughter is 2. She was born weighing 2 pounds 6 oz in May 2017. She’s had two open heart surgeries and her g tube placement surgery.
She was on Elecare as an infant and then switched to Elecare JR at around 18 months old. She was throwing up constantly. Could barely tolerate 100 ml of Elecare JR ran over an hour through our pump. Finally this past June, I had had enough and knew that Kristen blended real food for her son, so I reached out to her. She talked me through it all for weeks until I figured out what worked for us. We started blending that day and we haven’t looked back to formula at all.
On formula, she wasn’t walking, her hair was so short, she could barely fit in infant shoes, and was constantly vomiting like I mentioned.
Now, 4 months later, she’s almost running everywhere, her hair is growing, she wear a size 5-6 in toddler shoes, and I can’t remember the last time she threw up. She’s also blossoming mentally! She knows her ABCs, can count to 15, and knows most of her colors.
I’m so thankful for this group.
The first picture was sometime in June. She was scooting on her bottom to get around and was wearing walking shoes (size 2 in infants). The second picture was about an hour ago while playing soccer and throwing balls with her brother & me outside (the shoes in this picture are a size 6).

Emergency Kit

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One of my fellow tubie moms thought it would be a good idea to write a post on emergency preparedness for tubies.  Keeping your freezer stocked with a 30 day supply of blends is beneficial in the event of a power outage but, that won’t help if you are evacuated from your home in an emergency.

This bag is under Matt’s bed.  I equate it to a “diaper” bag on steroids.  Because he has night nursing, it is a requirement but I think everyone should have one in case of an emergency.  If there is an emergency, we can grab Matt and the bag at a moments notice.  This would in addition to the disaster supply kit you have (or should have) for your family.  Typically the kits are set up for 72 hours.  The bag should be restocked after every use or at least once a year.  Here is a list of the supplies I keep ready for our son:

  1. Formula-Even though your child may normally get whole food blends at home, That may not be practical in the event of a disaster.  It is good to keep some of the formula that he/she can tolerate for emergency purposes.  Make sure to include a cup (for oral feeders) and a mixing jug in case you dilute it.
  2. Water-Think about how much free water your child gets or drinks in a day then multiply by 3.
  3. Syringes, extension tubes and bolus feeders-The Mic-Key button comes with an extra extension tube for pump feedings and a bolus tube and syringe.  Even if you don’t use the bolus feeding tube, save them and pack them in the emergency bag.
  4. Medication-The pharmacy will supply you with small bottles extra “emergency” medication if you ask them.  We are required to give the school a 72 hour supply of all medication so I ask the pharmacy for additional bottles for the emergency bag.
  5. Exam gloves, hand sanitizer, wet and/or baby wipes-These make clean ups much easier if you are not near running water.
  6. Surgical masks-Many of our children have poor or compromised immune systems.  You can use the masks if you find yourself confined with others who might be sick.
  7. Dressing change supplies-Even if you normally use the reusable type, having some sterile 2×2 drain sponges and paper tape on hand can be a lifesaver.
  8. Diapers, pull-ups and disposable under pads (chucks)-The under pads make perfect changing pads.  If they get soiled, just toss them.  Also toss in some plastic grocery bags for when disposing of diapers and pull ups isn’t convenient.
  9. A change of clothes-Try to keep a light jacket, blanket and seasonal clothes in the bag.
  10. Finger food-If your child is an oral eater, keep a sealed package of his/her favorite snack.
  11. Lovey/soother-No matter what the age of your child, emergencies/disasters are scary.  Keep something in the bag that can distract and calm them.

Baby Steps

Our Journey, Tubie Talk, You are Not Alone, , , , ,

Yes, even veteran tubie moms can struggle from time to time.  Matthew can’t handle large volumes because of his slow emptying issues. He is a growing teenage boy who is now more active than he’s ever been in his life. It has been quite a challenge getting him the additional calories he needs without increasing volume. Recently I had to add another carton of formula to his daily routing because his weight was dropping. I have been hesitant to try coconut oil and/or milk because of extreme food allergies in the family. For years I have been making his oatmeal with formula. Helping a transitioning little one has given me the courage to try adding 1/2 tsp of organic coconut oil in his immune system cocktail (given through the g-tube) to see how he reacts. It’s been 2 days and so far so good. If he continues to show no allergic reaction I will make his next batch with fresh coconut milk instead!