Tube Feeding After the NICU and Transitioning to Oral Feeds with Darla Vazquez

Darla Vazquez shares her journey as a NICU parent and the challenges she faced raising her son, who was born prematurely and spent 203 days in the NICU. She discusses the importance of advocacy and the need for support in navigating the medical system. Darla also talks about her work in helping families transition their children from G-tube feeding to oral eating, providing resources and guidance for parents in similar situations. In this conversation, Andrea speaks with Darla about life after the NICU and the significance of self-care and advocacy. Darla shares advice for families as they navigate the healing journey and adjust to being home, emphasizing the need for grace and understanding. She recognizes the impact of the NICU on both parents and children and discusses the importance of advocating for your family and making decisions that align with your values.

Quick Takeaways from the Episode:

• We loved when Darla said: "And the thing that’s so difficult, especially when you’re advocating for your child with people that do not have kids with disabilities is explaining that there is a balance because you’re a mama. You’re not a nurse. You’re not an educator. I mean your role is purely to love this child and to love them so that they can thrive. And thriving looks different for every single child, right?"
• Give yourself grace as you seek to find balance, and give yourself permission to say no to certain activities if that means it gives you a little more space to manage what your child and your family are experiencing.
• Check out Darla’s work with supporting “Tubies” to transition to oral feeding.
  • Darla’s Free Webinar - How to Transition your Child to Oral Eating Without Significant Weight Loss 
    • The full, paid course is economical and is intended to be followed with your medical team.
  • Darla’s article on NICU Alumni’s Resource Library - From Tube Feeds to Oral Feeds: Where to Start

Darla’s NICU Alumni Grad Guide Advice:

• You’ve just started this healing journey and may not even recognize all of the ways the NICU has affected you and your child - and that’s ok.
• When you’re advocating for your child and your family, you’re teaching them to be advocates for themselves too.

You can reach out to Darla through her website on instagram @tubietofoodie.

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The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.