Essential Resources and Support for Tube Feeding Patients

Whether you're new to the world of tube feeding or have been managing it for some time, we hope you’ll find a community of support to help guide your way. You’re not alone! In fact, there’s a wealth of resources available to help you understand the tube feeding process, choose the right equipment, ensure you're meeting nutritional needs, and even help you find fun tubie accessories.  

We’ve compiled a list of a few resources, tips, and support networks that can make tube feeding a smoother and more manageable part of daily life. Whether you're a patient or  caregiver, these resources are here to guide you every step of the way. 

Some specialized businesses to help get you started.

Tubie Friends TM: They create stuffed animals with feeding tubes and other medical devices to mirror what each child is experiencing.

C.C. Moo LLC: Makes quality onesies and children’s clothing with concealed zippers and hidden side seems to protect the tube from little hands, while allowing for discreet feeding and easy caregiver access.

FreeArm: The portable FreeArm® Muscle holds syringes, feeding bags, or lightweight pumps and clamps to a table, wheelchair, or stroller, making hands-free and on-the-go feedings possible.

Joy by J&J: Makes tube pads, port covers, clips, and medical tape in fun designs.

U Deliver Medical: Offers tube feeding delivery products and accessories designed to make home tube feeding easier and more patient friendly, such as the reusable Bolee®Bag.

These links are provided for informational purposes only and Kate Farms is not affiliated with any of the above businesses. Clicking on and buying items through the links will not provide value to Kate Farms.

Questions you might ask your healthcare team.

Everyone’s needs and experiences are different. We recommend asking your doctor about how this transition will change you or your loved one’s everyday life. If you’re concerned about high-quality nutrition, the differences between types of formulas, living an active lifestyle, and maintaining a sense of normalcy, let your doctor know! They’ll have advice and resources to help the transition go smoothly. 

Here are some questions to get you started:   

• What are my choices to finding a formula that suits my needs? Can I try a different formula later if I have trouble digesting? 

• If I have trouble tolerating dairy products, what are my plant-based formula options? 

• I don’t like the taste of my current formula – what are my options? 

• If a formula doesn’t make me feel good, will it be easy to switch? 

• What’s the difference between standard and peptide formulas? 

• Are there online or in person tube feeding communities online or in person that you recommend I join? 

• If I need surgery to place a tube, what is the recovery process like? 

• How will a feeding tube change my day-to-day life? 

• Can I still live an active lifestyle? (Swim, walk, run, bike, play, socialize, and travel.) 

Organizations to help find information and community.

Regardless of how you consume your daily nutrients, you and your loved ones deserve to feel a sense of normalcy. Finding a community of people on the same journey as you can be a helpful place to start! The Oley Foundation provides support for tube-fed adults and children with newsletters, a video library, online community forums, support groups, and annual consumer conferences. 

The content on this site (the “Content”) is provided for information purposes only. Kate Farms has attempted to include information it believes to be reliable and accurate as of the date of this Content. Kate Farms expressly disclaims and makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, as to the Content including the accuracy or completeness of the information in this Content. Kate Farms shall have no liability relating to or resulting from the use of this Content. The Content is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, approved practices or policies of a particular physician and/or healthcare facility standards of care, all of which you should consider when using this Content.