Gavage or tube feedings may be needed until the baby learns to suck effectively. For gavage feedings, a small flexible tube is placed into a baby s nostril or mouth and passed down into the stomach. The tube is sometimes removed, but may be left in place if feedings are frequent. At first, tiny amounts of breast milk or formula are given through the feeding tube. Because of their small stomach size, very tiny babies may be fed using a pump that slowly delivers the milk in small amounts.
Larger babies are able to gradually take larger amounts at each feeding.
Before each tube feeding, a baby is checked for residual, the amount of milk in the stomach left over from the last feeding. If the amount of residual is too high, it may mean the baby is not digesting food well. Your baby may begin nipple feedings while still being tube fed. Even if a baby is able to nipple feed, it can be tiring. Breast milk contains all the nutrients needed for growth and development.