Blended Tube Feeding for G-tube fed Kids & Adults: How a dietician empowers families through food - Hilarie's Story (254)

What if blending real food could transform your child's tube feeding experience—and your entire family's daily routine? In this inspiring episode, registered dietitian and new mom Hilarie shares how her career in pediatric nutrition led her to create Blended Tube Feeding, a platform and supportive community designed to help families explore real food options for children with feeding tubes.

Hilarie and Katie have an insightful conversation about doing what works best for your family and how it is not an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to tube feeding. From clinical frustrations to practical breakthroughs, Hilarie's story is packed with insight, empathy, and encouragement for families navigating complex feeding needs.

 

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ What blenderized tube feeding is—and how it helps with digestion, connection, and flexibility

✅ How Hilarie's work in a neurodevelopment clinic inspired her mission

✅ Common fears and how to overcome them when shifting from formula to real food

✅ How to start slowly and safely with blended meals (even using store-bought purees!)

✅ Where to find affordable support, recipes, and a welcoming online community

 

Whether you're new to tube feeding or ready to explore new options, this episode offers knowledge, support, and a hopeful outlook for the journey ahead.

Timestamps & Key Topics

⏱️ [00:00] – Meet Hilarie: Registered Dietitian, New Mom, Real Food Advocate
How her love of cooking, gardening, and clinical work intersected in her passion project
Why food is central to her family and her mission

⏱️ [04:00] – The "Aha" Moment Behind Blended Tube Feeding
Real families, real frustrations, and real improvements
How small changes led to big results in digestion and quality of life

⏱️ [06:00] – Formula Isn't the Enemy: Finding What Works
Why Hilarie supports a nonjudgmental approach
Blended food can be part-time, full-time, or not at all—it's about what's right for your child

⏱️ [08:00] – What Getting Started Looks Like
Step-by-step tips: from single-ingredient purees to homemade blends
Why slow is better—and how to build confidence without overhauling everything

⏱️ [11:00] – Real Fears, Real Parents
Why  many parents worry about "rocking the boat"
What success looks like when routines become manageable and joyful

⏱️ [13:00] – Why Aren't Dietitians Taught This?
The history behind formula becoming standard
How schools and hospitals are starting to reintroduce food-based tube feeding

⏱️ [14:00] – Hilarie's Virtual Support Programs
Online courses, a private community, and flexible coaching
Affordable access to evidence-informed resources—starting at just $37/month

⏱️ [17:00] – Motherhood Perspective Shift
How becoming a parent deepened her empathy for families
Why accessibility, flexibility, and simplicity matter more than ever

⏱️ [19:00] – A Favorite Success Story
One family's journey from 2-hour feeds and fear of leaving the house—to freedom, flexibility, and Panera bread - How small wins can transform daily life

⏱️ [21:00] – Where to Start: Free Resources & Community
Instagram, blog articles, recipes, and real-life advice
Why you don't have to figure it all out alone

Resources & Links

• Get Free Resources: Starter tips, recipes, and blog articles: www.blendedtubefeeding.com

• Research on Blenderized Tube Feeding 

• Links to Commercial Real Food Products

• 📲 Follow Hilarie on Instagram: @blendedtubefeeding
•  💬 Join the Community Group: Month-to-month access to guides, support, and connection

Share Your Thoughts!

Are you considering blenderized tube feeding for your child? Have you tried it already? We'd love to hear your story! Comment below or tag us on social.

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The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.