Tube feeding resources to support you and your child
Parenting a child or teen with a feeding tube can feel overwhelming at times but you don’t have to face all the challenges alone. Across Australia, there are support groups, parent communities, small businesses, and practical resources to make life easier. Here are just a few to check out…
FEEDING TUBE AWARENESS WEEK (FTAW)
AusEE runs Feeding Tube Awareness Week every February. Their site shares community stories, support group links, events, and virtual education programs for people with feeding tubes and their carers. feedingtubeaware.com.au
TUBIE FUN
A proudly Australian small business focusing on tube-feeding accessories with personality. Think tube backpacks, pads, reusable pouches and other tools designed to make tube feeding easier and more expressive. tubiefun.com.au
BLENDED BY SARAH
A leading choice for whole food in enteral feeding, supporting children and adults naturally. Founder Sarah Thomas created the company after her son, Lewis, suffered a haemorrhagic stroke at the age of three, leaving him unable to chew and swallow safely. After years of intensive eating therapy and intermittent use of nasogastric (NG) tubes, at the age of nine, Lewis was prescribed a gastrostomy (G) feeding tube. Sarah wanted Lewis to be able to eat the same home-cooked meals as his twin brother. She was also aware that not all families have the knowledge or confidence to prepare blended meals for their tube-fed loved ones. So, leveraging her background in international events, restaurants, and food manufacturing, Wholesome Blends was born. blendedbysarah.au
SINCHIES TUBIE KIT
Reusable gravity feeding pouches that make on-the-go feeds a bit more portable and less awkward. They’re light, reusable, and can be handy if you’re blending at home and want an easy bag option. sinchies.com.au
CHILDFEEDING.ORG (SUCCEED)
A unique Aussie resource created by families for families dealing with complex feeding challenges (including tube feeding). Their website contains articles, stories, videos and community-centric resources aimed at connection, education and celebration of shared experience. They sometimes run in-person picnics, and other events (e.g. tube-training workshops and community gatherings) – so you can actually meet other families and carers face-to-face. childfeeding.org
AU TUBIE SUPPORT
A private Facebook support group for individuals, parents and carers of people with feeding tubes in Australia and New Zealand – great for asking questions, sharing wins and pitfalls, and just feeling like you’re not alone. @AU tubie support
PODCAST: BEYOND THE TUBE: REAL STORIES, REAL ADVICE
This is a podcast for parents, caregivers, and anyone navigating the world of tube feeding. Hosted by Fi Rodrick, a mum who has been through it firsthand, this podcast brings you expert advice, real-life experiences, and the support you need.
Each episode explores the challenges and triumphs of caring for a tube-fed child, with insights from medical professionals, parents, and people with lived experience. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, emotional reassurance, or a sense of community, the podcast is there to help.. @beyond.the.tube.podcast
THE BLEND MAGAZINE
Created by author and writer Melanie Dimmit, The Blend is a lifestyle mag sharing stories and advice from the global tube-feeding community. theblendmag.com
THE ABILITIES IN ME – TUBE FEEDING BOOK
This picture book is for young children who are tube fed. Follow the story of a little girl as she shares her experiences through bright, colourful illustrations and simple, engaging text. Ideal for parents, teachers, and children, it helps raise awareness, encourages kindness, and shows how to be supportive. The book also introduces different types of feeds, including NJ, NG, PEG, and Mic-Key buttons. amazon.com.au
FEEDING TUBE AUSTRALIA
Another active facebook community for people with feeding tubes and their carers with a good mix of adults and parents. @Feeding Tube Australia
