Robin’s journey as a full-time caregiver began when her son Wyatt faced numerous medical challenges following a complicated birth. These challenges include cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, epilepsy, and sensory impairments. Beyond unconditional love, Robin discovered that managing complex medical needs required an immense amount of organization, community support, and reliable resources.
After a prolonged NICU stay and intubation, Wyatt developed an oral aversion and was sent home with a nasogastric tube. At just 16 months, he transitioned to a G-tube, a pivotal step in his nutritional care. Despite her dedicated efforts, Robin watched Wyatt struggle to maintain a healthy weight, often falling off his growth curve.
Then, at age 11, a shift in Wyatt’s nutritional plan occurred when his gastroenterologist suggested the Compleat® formula. This recommendation was a turning point. Eight years later, Robin believes that choice was crucial in enabling Wyatt not only to survive but truly prosper. The team from Compleat® spoke with Robin to unravel her experience as a tube-feeding caregiver, the importance of nutrition, and her wisdom for other families in similar situations.
Why did you choose Compleat® as Wyatt’s tube feeding formula?
“We discovered Compleat in 2017 when transitioning to a new GI doctor. Wyatt needed a new formula as he had outgrown his previous one, and it became increasingly evident that he was not gaining weight—his growth chart was a red flag. The doctor examined him and decided Compleat® would be the best fit. He has been on it for eight years now.
What I appreciate most is that it contains real food ingredients. When you are responsible for your child’s entire nutrition via a tube, knowing precisely what is being consumed is vital. Compleat® provides Wyatt with great nutrition from real food, and that’s immensely reassuring for me as his caregiver.”
What benefits have you seen since Wyatt started using Compleat®?
“The change has been nothing short of remarkable.” Nutrition plays a crucial role; some formulas merely sustain life while others enable children to flourish. Compleat® has empowered Wyatt to thrive.
Initially, I noticed a difference in his experience almost immediately. In elementary school, using a speech-generating device while on his previous formula often caused him distress. However, after transitioning to Compleat® Original 1.0 in middle school, he became comfortable engaging with the device and eventually began utilizing it regularly.
That breakthrough is directly linked to improved nutrition. Seeing your child gain the energy to communicate after being silent for years makes you realize how fundamentally important nutrition is. It’s not merely about weight tracking; it’s about equipping them with the resources to realize their potential and achieve their ambitions.”
What advice would you give to other tube feeding caregivers as they navigate their journey?
“I could share countless tips, but three stand out as life-changing for us.”
First, organization is vital. Managing a medically fragile child with complex needs doesn’t allow for improvisation. I create spreadsheets for even short trips that include checkboxes—one for ‘packed it’ and another for ‘actually put it in the vehicle.’ This system emerged from the frustration of forgetting crucial items that couldn’t be replaced easily. It may seem intense, but it has proven invaluable.
Second, nurturing a solid relationship with your medical team is essential. Ideally, you become allies. With patient portals today, I ensure Wyatt’s doctors know they can expect me to reach out for information or concerns. Whether it’s about medical forms or new symptoms, open communication simplifies everything. They recognize I’m an active participant in his care.
And third—this is crucial—cultivate your support network. This could be a partner, friends, or other families similar to yours. Building connections with families who have kids both younger and older than Wyatt has been incredibly beneficial. You can share insights or learn from those ahead of you. Either way, feeling prepared for what lies ahead makes all the difference. It alleviates the isolation that can come with such a journey.”
Today, Wyatt continues to exceed expectations. Robin launched Wyatt Wear, a bib company designed especially for teens, adults, and seniors with special needs. She identified a gap in products that boost confidence while remaining functional. Whether showcasing daily “fit checks” on social media illustrating how Wyatt styles his bibs or advocating for enhanced nutrition through tube feeding, Robin’s clear mission is to help her son and others not just survive, but truly live their best lives.
For families on a tube feeding journey, Compleat® offers a variety of formulas made from real, recognizable ingredients to cater to diverse nutritional requirements. With a range of vegan and organic choices, their lineup includes 16 unique formulas like Compleat® Original, Compleat® Standard, Compleat® Organic Blends, and Compleat® Peptide. For over 50 years, Compleat® has been delivering nourishing tube feeding options, helping children like Wyatt get the essential sustenance they need to reach their fullest potential.
Use Compleat® Under Medical Supervision
Discover more about Compleat® and read authentic caregiver stories on instagram.com/compleat.
