G or GJ Tubes- Making the decision

Emily, 18 months old. G tube at 9.5 months old

Shruthi, 18 months old. GJ tube at 7.5 months old

Nevaeh, 6 years old. G tube at 5.5 months old

Andrew, 12 years old. G tube at 11 months old

Understanding why a child might benefit from a G or GJ tube placement. To make a fully informed decision, make sure you know the reason why your child's health-care team has recommended one

Making your decision. It is often difficult for parents to make a decision about a G or GJ tube. Resources are available to help you feel confident about your decision

Learning how to care for a G or GJ tube. The idea of caring for a G tube may be frightening. You will be given education, guidance and resources to look after your child's G or GJ tube well

Challenges. Looking after your child's G or GJ tube can be time-consuming. Caring for the G or GJ tube and the skin around it is generally simple, but complications can still happen

Support. You are not alone. Your child's healthcare team, community care organizations and other families who have been through the experience, will support you

Supplies and Funding for a G tube. You may feel more confident in your decision if you know what supplies you will need, how much they will cost, were to get them and how to look after them

Adjusting and benefits to a G tube. Caring for a child with a feeding tube can affect your families lifestyle, especially when you get used to the changes. It may seem overwhelming at first

Social life and travel with a G tube. You may worry about how having a G or GJ tube will affect your child's social life. Some families also worry about the inconvenience, isolation and the travel issues a G or GJ tube might bring

After the decision to get a G tube. A decision to get a feeding tube for your child is personal, but it is often helpful to hear how others managed through it, and if they felt they made the right decision

Final thoughts. Consider all the information and imagine how the decision for or against a G or GJ tube could affect your child and family. You and you child's team can decide what's best

Special thanks