What Are Pediatric Enteral Services for Cystic Fibrosis?

What Are Pediatric Enteral Services for Cystic Fibrosis?

If you’re caring for a child with cystic fibrosis (CF), you already know that it affects much more than just the lungs. CF impacts the digestive system too, making it difficult for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs. And when eating becomes a struggle, it’s not just frustrating—it can affect your child’s energy, immunity, and even their lung health. Many children with chronic illnesses require some form of nutritional support, including pediatric enteral services.

These services provide targeted nutritional support, often through a feeding tube, to help children with CF thrive. At Wave Healthcare, we specialize in helping families navigate this important part of care—because when it comes to CF, nutrition is therapy.

Understanding Pediatric Enteral Services

What Does “Enteral” Mean?

“Enteral” refers to nutrition delivered directly to the stomach or small intestine through a feeding tube. For children with CF who have difficulty gaining weight or who are burning excessive calories due to labored breathing, pediatric enteral services can provide the nutritional support they need without placing added stress on their bodies.

These services typically include:

  • Feeding tubes and supplies
  • High-calorie, nutrient-dense formulas
  • Personalized feeding plans tailored to CF needs
  • Hands-on training for parents and caregivers
  • Ongoing support from clinical teams

At Wave Healthcare, our approach to enteral services goes beyond just delivery—we focus on building confidence and comfort for families at home.

Why Do Children with CF Need Enteral Feeding?

Malabsorption and Increased Caloric Needs

Children with CF often struggle with pancreatic insufficiency, which makes it difficult to digest and absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. This can result in poor weight gain and slowed growth, even when a child is eating well.

On top of that, the energy demands of CF are intense. Every cough, every breath requires effort. Children with CF can burn up to twice the number of calories as their peers just by breathing. That’s why nutrition isn’t optional—it’s foundational.

When oral intake isn’t enough, enteral feeding (especially overnight G-tube feeds) helps close that gap.

Types of Feeding Tubes Used in CF Pediatric Enteral Services

Nasogastric (NG) Tube

Inserted through the nose and into the stomach, NG tubes are often used short-term—for example, to supplement meals during illness or growth spurts.

Gastrostomy (G-Tube)

For long-term support, a G-tube is placed directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall. It’s discreet, reliable, and can be used for overnight continuous feeding, which is common in CF care plans.

Jejunostomy (J-Tube)

Rarely used in CF, J-tubes deliver nutrition into the small intestine and are typically reserved for children with severe reflux or delayed gastric emptying.

Every child is different, and the right approach depends on your child’s medical history, growth goals, and feeding tolerance.

How Pediatric Enteral Services Support Families at Home

At Wave Healthcare, we know that medical equipment can be intimidating at first. That’s why we don’t just deliver supplies—we provide education, encouragement, and personalized guidance.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • Hands-on training for caregivers to learn safe tube care and feeding techniques
  • Help with formula selection based on your child’s caloric needs and tolerance
  • Coordinating with your child’s dietitian or physician to ensure the feeding plan supports respiratory goals
  • Monitoring and troubleshooting, whether that means adjusting flow rates or resolving minor skin irritation

We also make sure that caregivers feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Because feeding isn’t just a task—it’s a vital part of your child’s healing.

How Pediatric Enteral Services Support CF Families at Home

At Wave Healthcare, we understand that CF care is ongoing, complex, and often overwhelming. That’s why we build our pediatric enteral services around what families actually need: support that’s proactive, personal, and responsive.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Step-by-step training to help you confidently manage tube feedings
  • Customized formula planning with input from your care team and dietitian
  • Ongoing supply delivery so you’re never caught without essentials
  • Troubleshooting support—from pump settings to skin irritation

And just as importantly, we’re here to celebrate your child’s milestones. Every ounce gained, every successful feed—it all adds up.

Real-Life Tips for Parents of Kids with CF

Start with what feels manageable

Begin with small volumes, slow feeding rates, or daytime supplements before moving to overnight feeds. Ease into the process at your family’s pace.

Make feeding part of your routine—not the center of it

Tube feeding shouldn’t take over your life. Set routines that blend into your evening or bedtime schedule.

Track progress, not perfection

CF care is a marathon. Use a feeding log or growth tracker to watch trends—not every hiccup.

Ask for help—early and often

Your care team is here for the bumps in the road. Whether it’s a clogged tube, a formula question, or a tough day emotionally, you don’t have to go it alone.

Nutrition Is Respiratory Care in Cystic Fibrosis

For children with CF, strong nutrition supports strong lungs. It helps fight infection, builds muscle for breathing, and boosts energy for daily life. That’s why pediatric enteral services aren’t just about food—they’re part of the bigger picture of respiratory wellness.

When feeding is no longer a battle, kids can focus on what really matters—being kids.

Wave Healthcare Supports Families with CF

At Wave Healthcare, we work with families across Texas who are managing cystic fibrosis. We know that respiratory care and nutrition go hand-in-hand, and our goal is to make home care easier, safer, and more empowering for parents and kids alike.

From oxygen tanks to G-tubes, we’re here for it all—with compassion, clarity, and a human touch.

Learn more or speak with a specialist at Wave Healthcare today.

Contact Wave Healthcare

Pediatric DME Specializing in Respiratory and Enteral Care

dsFor questions about our respiratory and enteral home care services, our home medical equipment, or to inquire about referrals, contact Wave Healthcare, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. 

Contact Wave Healthcare Pediatric DME

Corporate

Phone: (210) 593-WAVE(9283)
Fax: (866) 492-7762

Toll Free

+1 (866) 935-9283

Maribel A.
20:17 17 Mar 25
Wave Healthcare Rio Grande Valley has always provided great customer service. All there staff is friendly and very professional. They always educate and keep us posted on any changes on equipment. Always available 24/7 and resolve issues within time. All our equipment always checked and maintained within due date. Staff always has available back ups in items needed.Highly recommend them,always resolve our problems and answer all our concerns.
denise G.
20:55 12 Mar 25
Excellent company, excellent customer service, bilingual (english/spanish), super nice and polite people. I never tought in my life that I would need a DME company, but destiny had other plans for me and because of my medically complex baby boy, I needed it. They teach me how to use and operate the machines that my son uses, they were kind and empathetic with our situation and they are always willing to help. I'm grateful to have them as our DME company.
Maribel A.
22:15 11 Mar 25
Everyone I’ve spoken to has been very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. Vanessa and Sola are great!
veronica Q.
18:48 07 Mar 25
Wave healthcare is awesome! Their respiratory therapist Vanessa is very kind and caring about patients. She’s always helping nurses and parents with any equipment problem and she has great communication skills! As a nurse I Highly recommend wave healthcare they do an great job!
Karla T.
22:04 06 Mar 25
Great service and great staff. Highly recommend!!
Brenda S.
18:41 03 Mar 25
've had an exceptionally positive experience with Wave Healthcare, and I highly recommend them. The customer service team, particularly respiratory therapist Vanessa, has been outstanding. Vanessa consistently demonstrates exceptional attentiveness, ensuring timely delivery and repair of medical equipment, and providing invaluable education to nurses and family members. Her dedication to providing top-notch care is truly impressive, and I'm grateful for the exceptional service Wave Healthcare provides.
Eduardo R.
15:25 26 Feb 25
Wave healthcare has always been a pleasure to work with, especially RT Irma and Sola, both have never let me down when I needed their assistance with obtaining my patients medical supplies. Anytime I had questions about a monthly supply order or respiratory equipment, both Irma and Sola were always very happy to help. I can’t say enough good things about this company and looking forward to working with you all for many years to come.
Sarenne R.
22:25 19 Dec 24
I’ve been 6 years with Wave and every single year then surprised me more. Definitely if you need a company with values choose Wave. As a mom with a critical patient, I can recommend Wave with my eyes closed. I am very thankful for your service, specially with Mr. Marco, RT and Ms. Vanessa, RT I am very thankful for everything they have done, for everything they’ve teach me, and for their support, empathy, and kindness, they are true angels to this company.
Janna B
15:29 18 Mar 25
Shannon and the whole Wave team has always taken care of our boys’ needs!
Katie Y.
17:00 14 Mar 25
We have been using wave healthcare for several years now! They have always been quick to respond when we need medical DME. Their customer service is immaculate. They make us feel like family!
Laura G.
14:57 14 Mar 25
We have used wave health care for several years. Shannon and her team along with team in San Antonio always make sure our son has the supplies he needs! We appreciate all y'all do!
Kenneth S.
21:00 12 Mar 25
Joe G.
13:49 10 Mar 25
Kym C.
00:58 10 Mar 25
The Lubbock Office is amazing! Shannon helped with any questions I had and it gave me so much comfort knowing that she was a phone call away. If anyone needs this service I will DEFINITELY recommend them. Thank You For Your Service & Support when we needed it the most.
Branson S.
00:17 20 Feb 25
The Lubbock staff is awesome! They are always available and helpful when I have questions. So lucky we have them by our side. 5 Star Service!
Cathy P.
22:15 15 Feb 25
This is a great branch with a caring and dedicated staff, particularly Shannon, who always goes above and beyond to provide the best service to her patients.
Karen L G.
18:47 04 Mar 25
Awesome Company , Will Recommend to Everyone and Conrad the RT very sweet and Great Worker!!!
Natalia
10:59 21 May 24
Some staff have good customers service and some have horrible customer service. Overall lack of communication! Manuel is very professional and very understanding employee need more staff like him.
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