S2, Ep. 15: Growth in Tube Weaning

In this episode, Jeni and Heidi unpack a common concern in the tube weaning journey: growth. Fears about weight loss and strategies to facilitate weight gain all impact your child's ability to wean. While growth is important, Heidi and Jeni are here today to explore why it's essential to look at it in the context of the whole child, not just the number on the scale.

Jeni and Heidi talk about how focusing only on weight can lead to confusion and even stall the weaning process. Attempts to “plump kids up” before a wean often set them up for sharper drops later. Growth charts, while useful at times, weren't based on kids with tubes or complex medical histories, and comparing your child to a chart made for someone else doesn't tell the full story. Instead, we encourage families and providers to track trends over time, compare children to themselves, and zoom out to see the bigger picture.

Weight loss during weaning can feel scary, but it's often a necessary and expected part of the process. When carefully monitored, it’s a sign that the child’s body is learning hunger cues and beginning to build a more natural, responsive relationship with food. Trusting the process and staying responsive rather than reacting out of fear helps children build lasting skills and confidence as oral eaters. Ultimately, growth matters, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. When we prioritize quality over quantity, work closely with our team, and keep weight in perspective; children are better able to thrive both on the scale and at the table.

** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team. Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.**

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