Probe feeding: How to feed by gravity

Probe feeding: How to feed by gravity

Gravity feeding is a way of administering the formula through its feeding tube. With this feeding method, the formula flows from a bag to the probe due to gravity. This method is slower than feeding with a syringe and uses a roller clamp on the bag tube to control speed. Most people who eat by gravity take a "meal" every few hours during the day. Feeding usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

To pass gravity feeding, you will need:

The 60-milliliter oral catheter or syringe tip (mL)

A cup of water at room temperature

Formula

Gravity feed bag

Wheels carrier

To prevent infections, always wash your hands before handling the feeding tube and supplies.

How to pass gravity feed:

If you have a low profile feeding tube, prepare the extension tube by removing all remaining air before connecting the feeding tube. Preparing the tube helps prevent air from entering your stomach and causing discomfort.

Close the extension device with the clamp.

Remove the plunger from the syringe and connect the syringe to the extension probe.

Pour approximately 15 mL of formula into the syringe.

Remove the clamp that closed the extension equipment, allowing the formula to flow exactly to the end of the probe and close again with the clamp.

Connect the extension equipment to the feeding probe.

If you have a regular gastric tube, drain it with water to make it ready.

Remove the plunger from the syringe.

Connect the syringe to the feeding tube.

Pour 15 mL of water into the syringe and allow it to circulate through the tube.

Clean the outside of the formula container with a clean towel and open it.

Close the clamp on the gravity feed bag.

Open the bag and pour the desired amount of formula.

Carefully remove the air from the bag and close it again.

Hang the bag in the egg carrier.

Prepare the probe from the bag by removing all the air inside. This will prevent air from entering your stomach and causing discomfort.

Slowly open the roller clamp and allow the formula to flow until it reaches the end of the tube.

Close the clamp again.

Remove the cap on the end of the gravity feed bag probe.

Connect the end of the probe to the power port. Slowly open the roller clamp to begin feeding.

Control the feed rate by adjusting the roller clamp.

It may take 30 to 60 minutes to pass 8 ounces of formula, depending on your tolerance.

You can accelerate the flow of the formula by opening the roller clamp.

You can reduce the flow of the formula by closing the probe roller clamp.

You may need to reduce the flow of the formula if you begin to feel nauseous or feel too full during feeding.

You may also need to feed more slowly if you experience stomach upset or slight bowel movements immediately after feeding.

When you have completed the feeding, disconnect the tube from the gravity bag by separating it from the feeding tube.

Purge the feeding tube with the amount of water recommended by your health care team.

Close the power port and disconnect the extension tube if applicable.

Wash your hands. Wash and dry all equipment components and supplies thoroughly.

Refrigerate the remaining formula and use it within 24 hours.