Balancing Tube Feeding Needs
Navigating the demands of work and the unique needs that come with tube feeding can be stressful. In honor of April being Stress Awareness Month, Sentido Health and TubieTalk want to bring awareness to the difficulties of balancing a tube-feeding lifestyle, and share ways to alleviate stress for working parents of tubie children or working tubies themselves.
Balancing tube feeding can add an extra layer of complexity to the already demanding work-life balance. Here are some tips to help ease the stress:
For Working Tubie Parents:
Open Communication: Be open with your employer or colleagues about your unique situation and the importance of care for your child's tubie needs. This can help build a better understanding of you and your child’s needs and provide the necessary support and accommodations.
Flexibility: Explore the possibility of flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, or receiving assistance on projects. Having the flexibility to work from home or adjust your schedule can make it easier to attend to your child’s needs.
Plan and Prioritize: Plan ahead and prioritize your tasks to manage your time effectively. Break down tasks into manageable steps and try to focus on what truly matters, both at work and for your tubie.
Utilize Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or communities (like TubieTalk!) for support and assistance. Asking for help is perfectly okay and can make a big difference in managing the challenges of caring for your tubie child while working.
Practice Self-care: Don’t forget to prioritize self-care within the demands of caring for your tubie and working. Take breaks when needed, let yourself relax, and do things that bring you joy!
For Working Tubies:
Communicate with Your Employer: Openly communicate your needs with your employer. Discuss any accommodations or adjustments that you may need to support your work and health.
Flexible Arrangements: Exploring the possibility of flexible working arrangements, is helpful for working tubies as well. Whether it is remote, hybrid, or flexible hours these adjustments can provide the needed flexibility to work with tube feeding schedules.
Meal Prep-:Plan and prepare tube feeding supplies and meals in advance. Utilize meal prep techniques to make the process as simple as possible, ensuring you have everything you need at work.
Portable Feeding Equipment: Invest in portable feeding equipment that allows you to administer tube feedings efficiently while at work.
Schedule Breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout your workday to attend to your tube feeding needs, Use this time to administer feeds, clean equipment, and take care of yourself. Managing all of these various needs can be stressful so remember to take time for yourself too!
We asked our TubieTalk community for some of their tips on balancing tube feeding needs and this is what they said:
“Having different ways to carry my bag and pump is really helpful”
“To be honest, it’s more than balance. It’s teamwork. Have a village. You cannot do this alone”
“I have an IV pole next to my desk to hang my feeds from while I’m at my computer”
Balancing tube feeding with the demands of work can be overwhelming and stressful but it is possible with the right strategies and support. Whether you are a tubie or have a tubie child, communication, planning, flexibility, and taking care of yourself is crucial. Remember, teamwork and support from family, friends, and communities like TubieTalk are so valuable. As one TubieTalk community member put it, “It’s more than a balance, it’s teamwork. Have a village.”
By building a supportive community and implementing practical strategies, working tubie parents and working tubies can effectively manage their responsibilities and prioritize their health and well-being. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Check out this blog about tips on feed tubing in public: https://www.tubietalk.com/blog/tubietalk-tube-feeding-in-publicnbsp