What actually happens inside Thrive’s tube weaning program, and why does it work when other approaches haven’t? In this episode, Jeni and Heidi break down what our tube weaning program really looks like and answer some of the most common questions we hear from parents and caregivers.  

At Thrive, offer a range of supports, from intensive tube weaning (virtual or in-person) to ongoing feeding therapy, parent coaching, and virtual guidance. At the center of all of it is one key idea: lasting change happens when parents are supported to support their child. 

Everything begins with a comprehensive, virtual evaluation. We look at the whole child (not just feeding!) by considering medical history, development, sensory processing, lived experiences, and family dynamics. Our multidisciplinary team (speech, OT, dietitian as needed) collaborates closely with your child’s medical provider to ensure safety and alignment. 

If your child is a good fit, we move into preparation, which includes a parent toolkit and coaching. This step is foundational in getting everyone on the same page before making any changes. We often find that preparation is a game changer. 

From there, we begin hunger induction in a safe, medically guided way, followed by a 10-day intensive phase where: 

Our goal is not to “get food in,” but to help children learn: 

We allow hunger to develop within a responsive feeding framework, which means: 

Hunger alone isn’t enough and neither is coaching alone. Kids need internal motivation + external support working together. 

The 10-day intensive is just the beginning. The next 6 months of follow-up are equally important and often overlooked. 

During this time: 

Tube weaning is not a quick fix! It’s a process that unfolds over time. 

When determining if your child is a good fit for our program, we’re not looking for a specific age or skill level. Instead, we look for: 

We don’t have “disqualifying diagnoses,” but we do individualize goals and treatment based on each child. 

Our 10-day therapy intensive is offered either virtually or in-person, based on a multitude of factors, and determined by the clinical team. Both options can be highly effective. In fact, we often see similar outcomes because our model is parent-centered. 

While we’re not in-network with most insurance companies, we do work to secure single case agreements when possible and help families navigate funding options. 

If you’re curious whether this could be a fit for your child, we offer a free 45-minute intake call to: 

** Please remember this podcast is NOT meant to replace the support and guidance of your child's medical team.  Consult with your doctor before starting the weaning process.** 

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more helpful information @Thrivewithspectrum on Instagram and Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics on Facebook. You can also find out more information about the programs we offer at www.thrivewithspectrum.com