In December 2018, my baby girl was born 8 weeks early due to pregnancy complications. She had a preexisting genetic muscle condition that was confirmed during the pregnancy. During her stay in the NICU, we learned that babies do not get the "suck, swallow, breathe" reflex until 34 weeks. We chugged along as she recovered from jaundice and learned how to breathe on her own. At 34 weeks we started her with a tiny amount of milk. It proved to be extremely difficult for her, and even though we practiced everyday, she grew so tired after just 15 mls (that’s just 1/2 oz!). We decided at the end of January 2019 to put in the G-Tube. It was a hard decision but the best decision for her!
She was released a few weeks later and once we were settled at home, I realized she needed a few mommy made outfits that would work for her G-Tube. In March, however, she was put on a continuous feed due to illness and since she was hooked up all day we needed something that would work for that. On top of that the site got irritated--due to an allergic reaction to the gauze we were using--so she was constantly pulling at it. This meant we needed romper style outfits instead of 2-pieces that worked easier with feeding tubes. With my sewing skills, I knew there had to be a way to make this work. So, I started experimenting and this is how I came up with what I am calling the “feeding tube pocket” .
This "pocket" is essentially an opening that can be done on either the right or left side of the garment--depending on where the tubing is. My idea behind the feeding tube pocket is that while yes, it could have easily just been an opening on the side, I liked the idea that the tube felt more secure and stable in the "pocket". I have found I love it more than just a hole in the side of the clothes. This "pocket" can also be easily added to ready to wear items as well. It can be done in either knit or woven fabric. We have attached a pattern piece for both options here: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD.
How to add the feeding tube pocket to a garment you're creating:
Step 1: Use pattern piece based on the type of fabric you are working with. *be aware, when using woven fabric, it does not have much stretch and can be bulky so choose the thickness wisely and be cautious when finishing so everything lays nicely.
Step 2: Cut “feeding tube pocket” and fold in half bringing the long edges together so you have a long piece.
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- **If using woven you do not need to fold the piece, finish the long edge of the pattern piece as shown.***
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Woven
Step 3: Place pocket 2"-3" down from the armhole. Clip or pin pieces to both from and back of the garment. Make for sure they are even.
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Step 5: Continue with the pattern until you reach the step to sew the side seam.
Step 6: Sew the side seam down. Be sure to not close the pocket in. Sew just the top and bottom edges together and continue to sew the side seam.
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Step 7: You can either topstitch inside the pocket or leave it as is. Either option works very well:)
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Finish the garment as the pattern instructs and enjoy wearing or dressing your tubie in this cute new outfit that is adaptable for them!
Here are accommodating videos:
How to add the feeding tube pocket to a ready to wear garment:
Step 1: Use the preferred pattern piece based on the fabric of the garment.
Step 3: Measure down 3" and put another pin.
Step 4: Using your seam ripper, remove the serging between the two pins.
Step 5: Sew the short edges together.
Step 6: Fold the tube wrong sides together.
Step 7: With right sides together pin or clip the feeding tube pocket to the hole in the garment
Step 8: Sew or serge on the inside circle.
Here are more pics of garments I've made using these techniques! I hope this helps others and please share your creations in the CKC Patterns Facebook Group!
