The thought of introducing solids to your child with OA/TOF can seem daunting but this information should help you to feel prepared, and, along with your healthcare team, help guide you through the process.
Before you start introducing food, check with your healthcare team when/if they feel that your child is ready to start. If your child was born preterm (before 37 weeks gestation), they are likely to be ready to start solids between 4 -6 months corrected age (that is 4 – 6 months after their due date). Children born at term are likely to be ready to start solids at around 6 months of age
The scary bit first.
You maybe worried about your child coughing/choking.
In fact most parents report that their child has had an episode of food getting stuck in the oesophagus. This is known as a food bolus obstruction, or you will often hear other families referring to it as a ‘stickie’.
What causes ‘stickies’?
Children with OA/TOF may have one or a combination of the following:
In children born with OA/TOF, this process is often disrupted. The oesophageal muscle contraction is uncoordinated, which can lead to food moving back up the oesophagus towards the mouth. This is known as oesophageal dysmotility or dysphagia. It can occur for years following surgery, but mostly gets better with time.
Some parents find back slaps help their child to clear the blockage, others report they just have to calm their child and reassure them whilst they wait for it to pass or for the child to cough and vomit it back up themselves.
There is no particular right/wrong way but you will find what works best with your child.
Choking
Choking occurs if an object lodges in the throat or windpipe and blocks the flow of air. Most stickies do not result in choking as your child is able to breathe.
However, if choking does occur, the most important thing is to be prepared, and try to remain calm so as not to frighten your child. (See below for some guides from St. John Ambulance for first aid advice on the choking baby.)
The important thing to remember is that you are not alone.
As well as your healthcare team, the whole TOFS community is here to support you too. We offer free support through our pastoral support team, our private Facebook group and via our informative videos and publications.
TOFS has created a number of videos offering information and support when it comes to weaning your baby on to solid foods.
The Soft Food Recipe Book is packed to the brim with easy, tasty dishes to cook for your family.
Baby choking poster
Step by step instructions for what to do when a baby is choking.
Baby Resuscitation (CPR) poster
Step by step instructions for performing CPR when a baby is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Published by TOFS, The TOF Book is the must have guide for anyone affected by, or caring for someone with OA/TOF.
With contributions from medical experts, the TOF Book contains chapters on every aspect of OA/TOF and VACTERL condition, from infancy to adulthood all presented in an easy-to-understand format.
