For some children, it is physically impossible to eat by mouth. Some are born premature, like LB and LK, and haven’t yet developed the reflexes needed to suck, swallow, and breathe. They have to learn, and then strengthen the muscles needed to safely eat by mouth.
Other kids can eat by mouth, but for some reason or another are unable to gain weight that way. For LE, she could eat, but burned more calories than she was taking in.
People have feeding tubes for a lot of reasons. “Picky eating” and “stubborness” are not among those reasons. Kids may want to eat by mouth, but are unable to. Some are able to but it is detrimental to their health and well-being.
Spread awareness. Learn something new. Ask questions.
