babynurse3

We are looking in to how other units handle their tube feedings. We have some infants that do better if we infuse their feedings over 1-2 hours. Less reflux, etc. I would like to know from other units that do this, what is your protocol for this? Do you rinse your tubes after each feeding, do you replace your NG/OG tubes daily, do you follow your feedings with air? We are in the process of rewriting our policy and we are looking for evidence-based policies. Thank you, Babynurse3

I would like to know what you find out. We don't use any at this time, but we have a very high incidence of NEC. We are keeping more 23 to 24 weekers alive to just have a higher rate of NEC and other gut problems.

When you are adding your additives, do you have any special equipment that you use? Do you use a hood or do you just add it at the bedside?

How do you get the MCT's? Do you use the oil or do you have something different? We use the oil when we need to add them, but we find that they stick to the plastic, so our nutritionist wants them fed via a syringe or right into a nipple. It is really wierd, but some babies take it right down.