Tracheostomy

Evidence 

https://www.theajo.com/article/view/4744/html 

Phylannie K. F. Cheung, Kelvin Kong, Ryan Winters, Mitchell Giles, Niall Jefferson 

Placement of a paediatric tracheostomy comes with a complex series of challenges for patients and their family, both in terms of understanding the implications of the tracheostomy, as well as the ongoing tracheostomy care, through hopeful decannulation. 

Education 

A tracheostomy is a surgical opening into the trachea or windpipe. This is kept open with a tracheostomy tube, a short, curved tube made from soft plastic or silicone that is inserted into the windpipe through the front of the neck. This tube is held in place with a soft strap that wraps around the neck. 

A tracheostomy gives doctors a way to help your baby breathe if their mouth or nose cannot do the job. This can happen because of swelling, weak muscles, or a condition that blocks their airway. The tracheostomy tube makes breathing easier and can also help with removing mucus from the lungs. It may be needed for a short time or longer, depending on your baby’s needs. 

When a tracheostomy tube is in place, your baby breathes through the trach tube instead of through the nose or mouth. Therefore, very little air passes through the nose, mouth, or larynx.  

Your child will not be able to cry while the trach tube is in place.  

Caring for a Baby with a Tracheostomy 

Having a tracheostomy tube means your baby will need extra care to keep the tube clean and working well. Your healthcare team will teach you how to clean and care for the tube if your baby needs to go home with the tube. They will also show you how to spot problems, like if the tube gets blocked or needs changing. At first, this might feel scary, but with practice, you will learn what to do and feel more confident. This is called Family Integrated Care which you can read more about here. 

Even with a tracheostomy, your baby still needs love, cuddles, and care. Babies with tracheostomies can also feed, either through a feeding tube or sometimes by mouth, depending on their situation. Your care and attention are very important to their growth and happiness. 

Empowerment  

It’s normal to feel worried or overwhelmed at first. Remember, your healthcare team is there to guide you. Ask as many questions as you need. Learning about the tracheostomy and practicing its care can help you feel more in control. You are not alone; many families have cared for a baby with a tracheostomy, and support groups can connect you with others who understand what you’re going through. 

Take things one step at a time, and celebrate the small victories, like learning a new skill or seeing your baby’s progress. With time, you will feel more confident in managing your baby’s care. 

Useful Links  

St John’s Clinical Care, WA 

https://clinical.stjohnwa.com.au/medical-library/pathophysiology/respiratory-conditions/tracheostomy 

The Royal Children’s Hospital, Victoria 

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Tracheostomy/ 

Paediatric Tracheostomy Patient page  

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2815579 

The Global Tracheostomy Collective 

https://www.globaltrach.org/ 

Panda - Perinatal Mental Health   

https://panda.org.au/   

COPE – Centre of Perinatal Excellence   

http://www.cope.org.au/new-parents/first-weeks/coping-following-a-premature-birth/  

For When – Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing  

https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/