Feeding Tube Awareness Week (1-7 February 2026) is a time to recognise the many children and families for whom tube feeding is part of everyday life. For some families, tube feeding supports health, growth and energy. For others, it offers peace of mind around safety and nourishment. Each journey is different. At Xavier, our dietitians are here to provide tailored support to suit your child and your family.

This year, in recognition of Feeding Tube Awareness Week, landmarks, buildings and bridges across Australia will be lit up in purple and blue. This national show of support helps raise awareness about tube feeding and shines a light on the many children, families and carers for whom feeding tubes are part of everyday life.

Supporting children and families, together

At Xavier, we know that feeding challenges affect much more than what happens at the table. They can shape family routines, create ongoing stress or worry, and have real health impacts when a child or young person is not getting the nutrients their body and brain need to grow, develop and stay healthy.

“Feeding is never just about food,” says Trina Laidlaw, Xavier Dietitian. “For many families, it touches every part of daily life — from energy levels and growth, to confidence, routines and emotional wellbeing. When feeding is hard, it can feel overwhelming.”

Xavier supports children and young people with ongoing feeding difficulties, including swallowing challenges or medical needs that make eating and drinking safely more complex. For some families, feeding tubes can be an important tool in supporting a child’s health, growth and energy — helping them stay well and participate in everyday life.

“Tube feeding can play a really positive role,” Trina explains. “It can support a child’s nutrition and health while families learn, adapt and build confidence along the journey. Our role is to walk alongside families, at their pace.”

A team approach that makes a difference

Dietitians are an important part of Xavier’s allied health team, working closely alongside speech pathologists and other clinicians to provide coordinated, family-centred care.

“Collaboration is key,” says Trina. “Speech pathologists focus on safe swallowing, feeding skills and positive mealtime experiences, while dietitians look at nutrition, growth and how well a child is tolerating their feeding — including tube feeding where needed. When we work together, families get clearer, more consistent support.”

Working side by side means families are supported by a team that truly knows their child and understands their unique needs — helping them move forward with confidence, care and practical guidance.

What this means for families

When dietitians and speech pathologists work together, families benefit from:

• clear and coordinated advice
• feeding plans that fit into everyday family life
• support that adapts as children grow and change
• reassurance that their child’s wellbeing is being looked at as a whole

For many families, this shared approach helps reduce stress and builds confidence over time.

One mum of a child we support explains their family's journey. “Feeding tubes can feel daunting at first, but having a team who understands our child and supports us every step of the way has made such a difference. We don’t feel alone — and that means everything.”

Shifting the conversation around tube feeding

Feeding Tube Awareness Week also reminds us that tube feeding is simply one way of supporting a child’s health and wellbeing and for many families, it can open the door to more energy, better growth and less pressure at mealtimes.