For 6 years, our beautiful daughter Poppy has had a nasogastric feeding tube.
Six years. And today, it’s gone.
Ever since she was born three months premature, Poppy has relied on that small tube running from her nose to her stomach.
At first, it was for milk and water. Then, around age five, we managed to introduce mashed-up foods, but her swallow was still unsafe.
Now, after months of hard work and practice – and with a very firm preference for blackcurrant juice – Poppy has finally mastered drinking safely from a special cup.
Tonight, the tube came out!
It’s a trial for now, and it may need to go back in if she becomes unwell or struggles to meet her daily fluid target. But this milestone is fully supported by her dietitian, speech and language therapist, and doctor — with close monitoring, of course.
Poppy was on oxygen when she was born. She came off that around age two or three. And now, she’s come off the feeding tube too.
For the first time, we can see her whole face.
Tonight was incredible. Emotional. One of those moments that will stay with us forever.
For six years, feeding tubes have been part of our everyday life. It feels strange to imagine a future without them.
This milestone isn’t the end of Poppy’s journey, but it is one we’re incredibly proud of.
Here’s to many more milestones ahead.
Well done, Poppy ❤️
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