Homemade G-Tube Formula: The Logistics
When I first began the process of homemaking g-tube formula, I wish I had this list of the things that I would need to save me time. This post is specifically for that purpose – whether you want to do this yourself, or you’re a friend trying to help somebody with this journey too. My way is not the only way – it just seems to work for me!
Big Picture
A lot of people ask me “Isn’t it just making a smoothie?” and the easy answer is “NO!”
G-tube formula has to be thin enough to go through the g-tube. It sounds simple enough, but then we add in the fact that it needs to meet the caloric needs of your child, water requirements, vitamins necessary, etc etc, for the whole day while not exceeding their stomachs maximum volume intake per feed. It’s not as simple as “making a smoothie for your child”. Therefore, you want to make sure you have the right equipment in place and understand why you are doing what you’re doing. Below is my personal list and some other tips!
Blender
In order to blend foods for a liquid formula, you need a blender that will pulverize. Most blenders don’t pulverize, so you won’t even notice the food particles that are blended. For example, I make smoothies for myself in my Nutri-Bullet – but things get stuck in my teeth all the time. This can’t happen with g-tube formula, since it could easily clog the g-tube, causing you to have to remove the g-tube from the stoma, unclog it/clean it, and replace it. Obviously there are several reasons why you don’t want to do this.
Another reason is that if there is any obstruction in the g-tube, the pressure you have to apply to push the food through can cause discomfort for your child. Therefore, get a good blender! If you are invested in making your child homemade formula, you will want to also invest in a good blender. Here are two options I know of that pulverize food:
The BlendTec: This is the one I personally use. It is very user friendly, and has different settings like batter (which they say is the g-tube formula consistency), whole juice, soup, etc. It has different highs/lows that can work for different types of foods. They also have different jars, but I usually use the regular classic jar since I make large quantities of formula at the same time. It’s also easy to wash because the blade is part of the jar – you just have to make sure the bottom of the blade gets clean too. I put this in the dishwasher all the time as well.
Vitamix: Since I don’t use the Vitamix, I have my other AHC mama here to give you info! Here is a summarized version of Heather’s input on the vitamix: What I love about Vitamix is that it is still blending after 15 years of use, has 20 oz cups to make a single smoothie, cup of soup, etc. The lid closes tightly so you can take it with you. It has something called the “wet” container that is great for blending homemade chia jam, making it smooth! It also has a “dry” jar that grind up nuts, coffee beans, etc. It basically replaces the need for a food processor. It can blend whole fools into smooth g-tube blends that fit through an Enfit syringe or the “old’ syringes (side note: in the medical world, we have to continually adapt our own routine/needs around what the medical system deems more efficient!). It also can make ketogenic blends smoother than commercial ketogenic food packets, which is very important if you’re trying that diet for epilepsy in your kiddo.
Scale
In order to evenly distribute the formula amongst serving sizes, I personally weigh it as I go by ounces. This is also good since many medical parents use MLs instead of ounces, and it’s easier to do math if you have a scale that does both. Bolus syringes are usually 35 or 60 ML, and bags usually go by ML. So, if you have a 300 ML limit for your child per feed, you can then adjust your formula based on weight. It’s always accurate and easy to divide! I have the oxo scale with enough room to set the blender on, then when I’m finished blending I use it for the medium batter bowl I use. Scales do not have to break the bank – as long as it weighs in ounces, you’re good to go.
Batter Bowl/Bowl with Spout
Working with any sort of formula gets messy really fast, especially if you are pouring ingredients in/out. I grew up with the Tupperware batter bowl, and it has now become my best friend when it comes to formula. It may not be sold anymore, but here’s one on amazon that looks similar. I can measure (I still use the scale too) and I also can pour. the standard glass/plastic liquid measuring cups usually only go to four cups, which would need to be full to the brim for my girl. The Tupperware batter bowl has a higher max line, therefore allowing me to put the entire batch in without splitting between two bowls. I highly recommend using that bowl or one similar!
Bottles
You’d think that getting bottles would be the easiest part of this, but in my experience it has been the most frustrating. I have bought about 10 different bottles, and I’ve gotten to the point where I get one set that works the best, then replace them about every 2-3 months. Here are factors you want to consider:
- Bottles that be put in your freezer (this usually takes away the option of glass)
- I’ve found that they’ll SAY it can be put in the freezer, but thats if you don’t fill it to the max line. If you get a smaller bottle, it’ll shatter. Also, glass is hard to stack in the freezer.
- Bottles that hold a thicker formula
- I found that bottles will advertise 6 oz, but in reality thats about 6 oz of water – when I put Paiges formula in it, its thicker/foamier and it fills it up higher than the max amount. I’ve had to get higher volume bottles to allow for different textures of formula
- Bottles that can be warmed up
- My girl has never tolerated cold food – since she was a baby she would spit it up. Also, if food is warm is seems to settle and mix better. Therefore, we use a bottle warmer to warm up the bottle of formula. This requires getting a heat resistant bottle.
- If it says “dishwasher safe” normally that means it can be steamed without getting deformed, so this can be warmed up.
Now you ask me, “well, which one does all of the above??” When you find it let me know! I have tried several different bottles, and either they are freezer safe but they’re not dishwasher safe, and on and on my journey goes. However, I did find bottles that are easy to label (here’s the link to the labels I use) , they are sturdy enough that we can freeze, and warm up, with minimal defects in I hand wash them. However after a certain amount of time, the warm water does begin to deform the bottle and I will replace them once they get difficult to handle. They are about $20 for a set of 16, so in my opinion its not bad. However, you do have to hand wash them – this takes time and a lot of bottle brushes!
Remember, Its a Journey!
One thing I constantly have to remind myself is where I started, and where I am now. I used to cry over a blended meal that didn’t go through the pump. Now, I have over 20 recipes I can feed my girl. These items will change as I go on, but my love and passion for making my girl food won’t! There is no perfect way to do this, just like there is no perfect way to parent your child. We are all just doing our best.
Don’t be ashamed to be Dr. Mom!!
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