S2, Ep. 24: Getting Back On Track

Jeni and Heidi are back this week to talk about how to get back on track when things feel like they're falling apart. Tube weaning is rarely a straight line. If things feel off track, you’re actually right where many families find themselves at least once in their journey.

Tube weaning is often expected to be a simple shift: less nutrition through the tube and therefore more by mouth. In reality, it’s much more complex. Medical needs, sensory experiences, digestion, motor skills, and emotional safety all play a role. On top of that, families are navigating stress, fatigue, and the pressure that can come with wanting the process to go well. Because of this, most weaning journeys include a moment where things feel like they’ve stalled or gone off track. That doesn’t mean your child can’t do it. In fact, these moments are so common that in our program we expect them and plan for them.

When this happens, the goal isn’t to panic or assume the wean didn’t work. Instead, it’s about getting back on track by pausing and zooming out. Much like climbing a staircase, if you get winded you don’t go all the way back to the bottom! Instead, you might pause at the next landing. During tube weaning, that might mean adjusting support, reassessing your child’s needs, and working with your team to find the next stable step forward.

Responsive feeding encourages families to look beyond just volumes and bites and consider the bigger picture:

• Is the feeding experience a good sensory fit for your child?

• Does your child feel safe and supported at meals?

• What’s happening medically or developmentally?

• What was different during the days that went well?

Progress during tube weaning is often subtle. Small shifts might look like more comfort at the table, a few extra bites, increased curiosity about food. All of those are meaningful steps in learning to eat. If you find yourself feeling stuck, it’s okay to pause, reflect, and seek additional support. Sometimes getting back on track simply means bringing in another responsive feeding professional who can collaborate with you and your medical team to help guide the next step.

It's true that transitioning from the tube to oral eating can be messy, emotional, and unpredictable but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Sometimes the most important step forward is simply pausing, zooming out, and finding the next place to begin again. You've got this and we're here to help!

** 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.**

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com