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If your baby has been receiving feeds via a nasogastric tube then it is possible for you to take him/her home whilst still receiving some feeds via the tube as long as you as parents are comfortable with this.

 

Babies that are born prematurely can take some time to establish full breast/bottle feeding due to the high levels of energy it takes to finish a full feed. Hence, you may find progress is quite slow to establish full feeds, which is perfectly normal, and you may be questioned about taking your baby home with a tube to give some feeds. The neonatal community support team will help you whilst at home, and you will not be expected to change or replace the tube. Parents should not feel pressurised into taking their baby home with a nasogastric tube if they are not comfortable, it is parental choice if they feel happy with taking their baby

home. Occasionally it may mean that you are able to go home sooner if you are willing to take your baby home and give some feeds via the tube, however this should not influence your decision if you are not comfortable. Usually, a baby is required to be taking two full feeds from either the breast or bottle before parents may be approached regarding the possibility of taking their baby home with a nasogastric tube in situ.

 

If your baby has been in SCBU receiving nasogastric tube feeds for a short period of time then it is most likely that you will have time to establish feeding properly prior to going home. The midwives and nurses will assist you in your chosen method of feeding until your baby becomes proficient at feeding and is able to be considered for going home. 

 

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