Hello, this is a brand new social networking site for families and friends of tube fed children (past or present). There didnt seem to be anyway of connecting families online that i could find, so hopefully this will serve as a good tool to share information and stories, help with tube feeding issues and most of all help with tube weaning issues. The transition from Tube Feeding to oral consumption is a long road for most children and their families, Most i know are in desperation to get rid of the tube. But it is possible to be achieved in a short period, with the help of an intensive tube weaning program in Graz Austria. Yes its a long way to go to the other side of the world for specialist medical treatment, but it worth giving your child the best chance there is in the world for the biggest kick start into the world of yummy food - a simple pleasure - every child deserves to eat.

Currently there is no such treatment in Australia and all attempts to wean children are just done as daily routine in your every day life, with the weekly (if you are lucky) or fortnightly visit to a therapist or feeding clinic. They usually see you for one hour and then its back to you at home to incorporate the principles of helping children overcome their aversion to food, into your daily routine, plus everything else you have to do, But the big issue is their psychological dependance to the tube feeding. I had always said Spencer had an oral aversion to food, until i spoke with the Prof in Austria who called it tube dependency, it makes perfect sense. PLUS kids who are always tube fed dont really get hungry or thirsty. If they do eat a little during the day, but are fed overnight, then they wont really be hungry the next day. Anyway as you can see i have loads to say on the issue, and am keen to help as many people as possible. Please join and share your experiences, knowledge is power, and that can only help us and our children. I am going to start lobbying our Government for a treatment program like that in Austria to be established in Australia. Its well and truly time, and tube fed kids deserve to eat!

Please Join and add your story to your page under the blog section, this way everyone can read about you and your child, and if you need information and support, we are all here for that exact purpose. Karelle