Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NHS Trust
Community Outreach Team
Nasogastric tube
feeding at home
Information for parents
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Nasogastric tubes
A nasogastric tube is a thin, soft plastic tube. It is disposable
and needs changing normally once a week. When a new tube
is passed (put in) the other nostril is used to give the previously
used nostril a rest.
Skin care
Most babies benefit from using a protective tape underneath
the NG tube which protects their skin from the sticky tapes.
It is advisable to replace any tape if it looks dirty or it is peeling
off.
When the tape has been removed, cleanse babys face and dry
thoroughly.
Giving a feed
Wash your hands and warm the feed as necessary. Where
possible, your baby should be positioned with their head above
the level of their stomach.
Always check the tube position before giving a feed.
Connect the feeding syringe without the plunger to the tube
and pour the feed into the syringe.
Put the syringe plunger into the top of the syringe to start the
feed.
Push gently with the syringe plunger to start the feed and
then remove it and let the feed run in by gravity. If the feed
is running too quickly or too slowly alter the height of the
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After a feed
It is a good idea to flush the tube with 1-2mls of cooled boiled
water after a feed or giving medicines. This helps ensure your
baby gets all his/her feed and prevents the tube from blocking.
To do this put 1-2 mls of cooled boiled water into the syringe
after the milk has run through and let the water run through
by gravity.
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The outreach team will visit, usually twice a week whilst your
baby has the NG tube in place. Once the tube is out, they will
continue to visit until your baby is feeding well, gaining weight
and you are feeling confident caring for your baby.
Your Health Visitor and GP will be informed of your babys
discharge so it is important that you register your baby with your
surgery well before discharge. You will have a summary of your
babys stay on the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at discharge.
Your baby may also have follow up appointments which will be
sent out to you at home.
Feeding
In the first few weeks you may find your babys feeding pattern
is irregular. Some babies may demand more frequent feeds than
they had while in the hospital. If you think your baby is feeding
too much or too little, discuss it with one of the community
team.
You can be sure your baby is getting enough milk if he/she has
plenty of wet nappies, is growing and is alert and awake for
some of the time.
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Contact details
Neonatal Outreach Team:
Monday to Friday
08.00 - 17.00
(24 hour answer phone)
Email: communityneonatalnurses2@ouh.nhs.uk
Outside of these hours:
Intensive Care Unit, Oxford:
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OMI 5269P