When all else has failed, that is no chance for cure, the least one can do is make the child comfortable. I sometimes struggle to remember that as food has always been a source of comfort throughout our lives there comes a point where it actually causes discomfort. I sometimes “understand” the parents’ distress when it comes to withdrawing of food, as they often feel “even if it’s 2 spoons of porridge”.
One needs to constantly remind themselves this is merely to make the caregiver or healthcare worker better but is not in the best interest of the child.
I guess these are some of the personal beliefs one has to unlearn, in my culture to deprive one of food is purely evil! Of course, at the end of life care we’re not “depriving” the child of food but rather minimising the discomfort that could be caused by the food the body does not need. That’s the difference!
