if your baby has a G-Tube, do you have an aide (covered by insurance?)

[Anonymous]

Our 26 week preemie, just got a g-tube and we are having troubles with getting him to eat from breast or bottle. Very stressful, so much work. Our speach therapist said other families with g-tubes (and other issues), have an aide.

He is 7 months.

Please tell me your experiences.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Depends highly on your insurance. Call and ask for a case worker.

[Anonymous]

My preemie didn't have a g-tube, but 3 other preemie families I know had children who did. None had aides, but all of the moms ended up quitting their jobs/taking a leave of absence.

I hope you are able to work something out that is helpful.

Fwiw, all 3 have been fairly successful in weaning the child off of the g-tube.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends highly on your insurance. Call and ask for a case worker.

This. I know two people with similar stories. My SIL used to work for a family in your situation when she was in nursing school. Insurance covered it. A friend of mine had a baby like yours, insurance did not cover it and they hired an aid out of pocket for a few hours each day. On the plus side, both children are happy and pretty healthy now.

[Anonymous]

My former g-tube baby is now a 14 year old football player and honor student. Like most 14 year old football players he eats anything that isn't nailed down.

But we didn't have an aide when he was little. There wasn't really a need for it. The tube seemed like a huge deal when we got it, but it turned out to be pretty manageable. He did go to a daycare that had a medical specialty.

What are some of your specific concerns?

[Anonymous]

My SIL quit her job to stay home with my niece, no aide. She had a central line, g tube, and ileostomy. She's a perfect, growing girl seven years later. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

My best friend has a child with a G tube. No aide but the husband is a stay at home dad. Not a preemie but lots of other health issues. Child still has the tube at 4.5 years old.