TubieTalk: New Year's Resolutions for Tubies + Medical Mamas
New Year's resolutions are a great way to set goals and make positive changes in our lives. If you or someone you know is tube-fed, there are a few specific resolutions that can make a big difference in your quality of life. Below are New Year’s Resolutions from TubieTalk to strive for in 2023:
To our Tubies:
Try new foods: Many people who are tube-fed have dietary restrictions, but that doesn't mean you have to eat the same thing every day. Experiment with different types of tube-feeding formulas and pureed foods to find new things you enjoy.
Get moving: Being tube-fed can make it harder to be physically active, but it's important to find ways to stay active. This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or doing some light stretching. Just be sure to work with your healthcare provider to find activities that are safe for you.
Connect with others: Being tube-fed can be isolating, so it's important to connect with others who understand what you're going through. Join a support group or find a friend or family member to talk to about your experiences.
Take care of your mental health: Living with a tube can be challenging, and it's important to take care of your mental health. Consider seeing a therapist or counselor to talk about your feelings and find ways to cope with the challenges you're facing.
Keep learning: There's always more to learn about tube-feeding. Keep reading up on the latest research and talk to your healthcare provider about new treatments or technologies that may be available to you.
To our Medical Mamas:
Prioritize self-care: Caring for a medically fragile child can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. It is important to take time for yourself to recharge and take care of your own needs. This can be as simple as taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or reading a book.
Seek out support: Being a caretaker for a medically fragile child can be isolating, so it's important to connect with others who understand what you're going through. Consider joining a support group or finding a friend or family member to talk to.
Organize medical information: Keeping track of your child's medical information can be overwhelming, so consider creating a binder or digital file with all the important information in one place. This will make it easier for you to keep track of appointments, medications, and treatments.
Make time for fun: It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day care for a medically fragile child, but it's important to make time for fun activities as a family. Whether it's going to the park, watching a movie, or playing a game, these moments can be an important way to bond and create positive memories.
Learn to let go: As a mom of a medically fragile child, it can be hard to let go of control, but it's important to remember that you can't be there 24/7. It's important to find people you trust and can rely on to help you with your child's care and to learn to trust them with your child.
Our very own TubieTalk community’s New Year's Resolutions:
“To have less medical bills than last year.”
“Sort out tube feeding supplies in a Pinterest looking way.”
“Today my daughter got her first NG Tube, so my resolution is staying positive.”
“Be effective.”
Remember, the most important thing is to be kind to yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Your healthcare team + TubieTalk community is there to support you, and working together you can make this the best year yet!