I am not sure why this has changed. She used to be able to tolerate all of her feedings just fine, in fact, I was always thankful that we hadn't had any feeding tube issues. Now, watching her be uncomfortable when she eats in the morning makes me sad and helpless. I also worry more about her aspirating when she throws up.
Today, because of the advice of a good friend, I decided to call one of Ruby's doctors to ask if we could order a feeding pump. A pump will regulate how quickly Ruby gets the formula so we can slow down her feedings. Now, we need to hold her tube for the entire feeding; in the morning this can occupy one of us for 45 minutes. With a baby on the way, this is going to be tough for our family. With the pump, we could set her up to eat, push a button on the pump and then have our hands free while she eats.
The doctor called back today to tell me she ordered a pump for us. Airway Oxygen (our medical supply company) will call us soon to set up a time when they can drop off the pump and teach us how to use it. I am not looking forward to having more medical equipment in my house. In some ways, this seems like a set back. On the other hand, this should help Ruby feel better in the mornings and we won't have to worry about her throwing up on the bus. The pump will also give us more time to help the other kids in the morning. Maybe it will make mornings less stressful.
I used to fight for Ruby to make gains and meet developmental milestones. Now, I fight for her to be happy, healthy and content. This may seems like I have thrown in the towel, but that is not the case. I think God has just taught me to be content with where she is at. Most days I accept what is and find joy and peace in daily living.
If the feeding pump improves Ruby's quality of life and helps us keep the stress down at home, then bring on the feeding pump!
3 comments:
Thanks so much for the update....love them and love seeing your heart. We used a feeding pump with Chris for 4 years and loved it! He was on it 24/7 and I carried it in a little backpack. It did make eating so much easier because, like Rubi, he could only take a little at a time! Hope the pump makes life a little easier for your busy family. Pray for you often!
Hope this helps. I have noticed that the feedings have bee a bit more difficult and witnessed her vomiting while you were here in February. Thanks for being open minded and seeking help for our precious Ruby.
Love and Prayers, Mom TH
We absolutely LOVED the pump. We rarely did gravity feeds with E. We did a lot of feeding overnight too. Hope this helps her tolerate them well. I don't think you're throwing in the towel at all, she's your baby, you need to all be enjoying each other's company and not always in crisis management. We had to pull back from some of E's therapies because I just felt like I was always trying to get him to be something else...and I wanted to just enjoy who he is! I think you're a great mama and I am so excited for your newest member. Hugs and prayers for the TenHakens!
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