Felix was born with a severe esophageal atresia and therefore had to be fed since birth via a jejunal feeding tube. He underwent several surgeries with associated complications. After his medical situation stabilized, he did not succeed in the transition to oral nutrition despite many efforts. When Felix was slightly more than one year old, his family and he attended the Netcoaching program. He sustained himself fully orally within only two weeks. He takes part in communal meals and learned to enjoy eating and drinking ever since.
From the parents
Translated from German
What was your life like before you decided to sign-up for one of NoTube’s programs?
Felix was tube fed via a JPEG. Therefore, he was continuous fed via a feeding pump for a duration of 11 to 12 hours – he only tolerated a specific amount of tube feeds per hour. Bearing breaks in mind, we dealt with tube feeds around 15 hours a day.
He could only move within the radius of 1.5m around his feeding pump – he was much too small for a backpack.
What were some of your most memorable experiences during the program?
In the beginning there were great doubts that this CAN happen so fast, that mind and body might “just” get used to this big change. All therapists involved did their best to take away my fears… and yes, they were right.
Did you feel that your child received good care during the program and was NoTube’s staff attentive to your concerns?
Yes, very much. The fast replies to my messages (every day) has helped me a lot to gain more and more confidence.
How has your life changed since you participated in the program?
Felix eats independently really well, goes to a “normal” nursery crèche (settling in was about 5 months after finishing weaning) and he has also started to say his first words now.
What’s the most awesome thing that has happened with your little one since completing the program?
His first steps, his first YES!