Tube feeding

[Guest guest]

Has anyone ever used prefilled packages of formula in conjunction with a feeding

pump in

lieu of cans & feeding bags? I looked online & saw that they make 1000ml &

1500ml

prefilled bags (look like IV bags) with the formula uses. They claim

the benefits

of using these are: less waste, longer hang time (48 hours), no spillage (no

cans to open &

pour), 86% less preparation time, fewer feeding bag changes, non-air dependent

design

assuring uninterrupted flow, low risk of contamination as compared to cans or

powder. A

big plus for us would be the no spillage factor. Even when I am sure nothing

has spilled,

still has formula droplets, stains, puddles, etc. in his backpack (not

too attractive

to wear a backpack with stains all over it). I have never heard of these until

recently, and

my son has been tube fed for 11 years! I only wonder whether it would to be

heavy for

him to carry in a backpack, as he is now on continuous feedings during the day

too. It

looks like the cost for these are about the same as the cans. I was also

thinking these

would be easier to pack when we went on trips. The formula cans take up a lot

of room in

suitcases! I would love to hear from anyone who has had experience using these

(the pros

& the cons).

On another note, we have just started using the Zevex Enteralite, and we are

having a few

problems. First, the pump is not delivering the doses accurately. It will beep

& say that

the dose is done, yet there will be formula left in the bag (sometimes more than

half!).

Yesterday, never got a break from his feeding pump due to this (he had

to wear it

all day to ensure he got the proper dose). Also, it will say dose done without

beeping. Is

it possible that it only beeps for a certain amount of time & then silences

itself? The pump

has alarmed several times at school saying no flow in or out, and school staff

(including

the nurse) are unable to figure out what the problem is. I think this pump is a

good

solution for him (hoping), but we are still trying to iron out the kinks. Any

advice would

be appreciated!

Kim C.