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Is your child dependent on a feeding tube for eating? Using feeding tubes (whether PEG Tube, Nasogastric Tube or J Tube) to make children eat, often causes feeding dependency that leads to difficulty in the transition from tube to oral feeding later.

Common signs of feeding tube dependency are:

  • Vomiting
  • Gagging
  • Food Refusal
  • Food Aversions and Avoidance patterns

Looking for a solution to your child’s feeding dependency? Tube weaning is the answer. It is a method that helps children become happy and healthy eaters by eliminating their dependency on feeding tubes. Tube weaning is a structured approach involving behavioural strategies, nutritional modifications, oral-motor therapy, sensory integration, hunger-inducing, etc., all of which helps to make a tube fed child eat orally and independently.

Tube Weaning is a Helpful Intervention for Children Dependent on a Feeding Tube in the Following Ways:

  • It teaches a child to eat, reduces food aversions
  • Increases your child’s autonomy and improves their oral skills
  • Makes the transition from Tube to Oral Acceptance Smooth

Hope AMC has collaborated with Dr. Markus Wilken for this tube weaning program to help children with feeding tube dependency. Dr. Markus Wilken has almost more than 20 publications in feeding problems and he has to date, successfully completed more than 300 tube weans. His primary mission is to grow independent eaters. He offers consulting services for Tube weaning in Dubai to families whose children are medically ready for the transition from Tube to oral feeding. His philosophy for Tube weaning is to respect the child, create trust within them, use appetite and support parents in their own ‘Tube weans’ as the child moves into family mealtimes.

 

FAQs

1Who is an ideal candidate for tube weaning in Dubai?

Children who are medically stable but still dependent on a feeding tube-like PEG, J-tube, or nasogastric tube are ideal candidates for tube weaning. If your child shows signs of gagging, vomiting, or food refusal and is ready to begin the transition to oral feeding, they may benefit from Hope AMC’s structured tube weaning program led by Dr. Markus Wilken.

2How long does the tube weaning process usually take?

The duration of tube weaning varies depending on each child’s medical background, feeding history, and progress. With expert guidance from Dr. Markus Wilken and Hope AMC’s tailored approach, the process is designed to be gradual, respectful, and child-centered. Most families begin to see steady progress within a few weeks, although full weaning may take longer depending on individual readiness and response.

3How does Hope AMC help children with tube feeding transition to oral feeding?

Hope AMC’s tube weaning program combines behavioral strategies, oral-motor therapy, sensory integration, and hunger-inducing techniques to encourage children to eat independently. Partnering with tube weaning expert Dr. Markus Wilken, the center creates a supportive and respectful environment where children feel safe, build trust, and gradually develop oral feeding skills, leading to reduced aversions and increased confidence with food.

4How can parents support their child’s oral skills during tube weaning?

Parents play a vital role in tube weaning by supporting their child emotionally, encouraging oral exploration, and following feeding strategies taught by our therapists. At Hope AMC, families are coached to create trust, involve the child in mealtimes, and gradually introduce safe oral experiences- all while respecting the child’s pace to build independence and make mealtimes a positive part of family life.

5What signs indicate that a child is ready to start tube weaning?

A child is typically ready for tube weaning when they are medically stable and cleared by healthcare professionals. Signs may include increased curiosity around food, oral exploration, improved tolerance of oral stimulation, and minimal medical interventions. If your child shows reduced dependence on tube feeds or frustration during mealtimes, it might be the right time to consider tube weaning.

6How can I schedule an evaluation for my child for tube weaning at Hope AMC?

To schedule a tube weaning evaluation at Hope AMC, simply contact our team directly to book a consultation. The process includes assessing your child’s medical history, oral readiness, and individual needs. From there, a personalized plan will be developed, with expert support from Dr. Markus Wilken and the Hope AMC team to guide your child’s transition to oral feeding.

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