One Mom’s Tube Feeding Journey & the Power of Real Food Nutrition

This article is sponsored by Compleat®

When Robin became a full-time caregiver to her son Wyatt after complications during birth left him with cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, epilepsy, and vision and hearing impairments, she learned quickly that navigating complex medical needs requires more than love—it demands organization, community, and the right resources.

After being intubated for several weeks in the NICU, Wyatt developed an oral aversion and was discharged with a nasogastric tube. At 16 months old, he transitioned to a G-tube—a decision that would become central to his nutritional journey. For years, Robin struggled to help Wyatt maintain a healthy weight, watching him fall off his growth curve despite her best efforts.

Then, at age 11, Wyatt’s gastroenterologist recommended switching to the Compleat® formula. Eight years later, Robin credits that change with helping Wyatt not just survive, but truly thrive. The Compleat® team sat down  with Robin to talk about what she’s learned as a tube feeding caregiver, how the right nutrition made all the difference, and her advice for other families walking a similar path.

Why did you choose Compleat® as Wyatt’s tube feeding formula?

“We found Compleat in 2017 when Wyatt was transitioning to a new GI doctor. He’d kind of aged out of his previous formula, and honestly, he was falling off his growth chart—his low growth arc was really concerning. His new doctor took one look at him and decided Compleat® would probably be the best option. He’s been on it now for eight years.

What I love about it is that it’s made with real food ingredients. When you’re responsible for your child’s complete nutrition through a tube, knowing exactly what’s going into their body matters. Compleat® gives Wyatt wonderful, real food nutrition—and that peace of mind is huge for me as his caregiver.”

What benefits have you seen since Wyatt started using Compleat®?

“The difference has been incredible.” When it comes to being nourished, some formulas allow a person to exist—but others allow them to thrive. Compleat® has helped Wyatt thrive.

I noticed a shift in his experience fairly quickly. In elementary school, testing a speech-generating device while he was on his previous formula often caused distress. In middle school, after switching to Compleat® Original 1.0, he was more comfortable engaging with the device and eventually began using it.

I absolutely equate that breakthrough with better nutrition. When your child finally has the energy to communicate after years of being non-verbal, you realize how foundational nutrition really is. It’s not just about weight on a chart—it’s about giving them the fuel to reach their potential and accomplish their goals.”

What advice would you give to other tube feeding caregivers as they navigate their journey?

“There are so many tips I could share, but three have been absolute game-changers for us.”

First, organization is everything. When you have a medically fragile child with complex needs, you can’t wing it. Even for a three- or four-hour trip, I create a spreadsheet with checkboxes—one column for ‘packed it,’ another for ‘actually put it in the van.’ That system came from forgetting key items I couldn’t just run to a store to replace. It sounds intense, but it’s saved us so many times.

Second, build a strong relationship with your medical team—basically become besties with them. Now that everyone has a patient portal, I make sure Wyatt’s doctors expect me to reach out when I need information or have concerns. Whether I’m requesting medical forms or worried about new symptoms, having that open communication makes everything easier. They know I’m an active partner in his care.

And third—and this one is so important—find your support system. That might be your partner, friends, or other families who look like yours. Connecting with families who have kids younger than Wyatt or older has been invaluable. You can either share what you’ve learned or learn from those who’ve been through it already. Either way, you’re better prepared for what’s ahead. It makes a world of difference not feeling alone in this.”

Today, Wyatt continues to defy expectations. Robin recently launched Wyatt Wear, a bib company designed for teens, adults, and seniors with special needs—because she saw a gap in products that help restore confidence and personality rather than just serving a medical function. Whether she’s sharing daily “fit checks” on social media showing how Wyatt styles his bibs or advocating for better nutrition through tube feeding, Robin’s mission is clear: help her son and others like him not just get by, but truly thrive. 

For families navigating the tube feeding journey, Compleat® offers a range of formulas crafted with real and recognizable food ingredients to meet diverse nutritional needs. With real food, plant-based and organic options, their portfolio includes 16 formulas including  Compleat® Original, Compleat® Standard, Compleat® Organic Blends, and Compleat® Peptide formulas. For over 50 years, Compleat® has been providing wholesome tube feeding nutrition, helping children like Wyatt get the nourishment they need to reach their full potential.

Use Compleat® Under Medical Supervision

Learn more about Compleat® and hear real stories from caregivers at instagram.com/compleat.