The Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development (CDID) at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, announced a strategic partnership with FeedUp Feeding Solution, a device designed to give people the freedom to move, live, and feed with independence—whether in a hospital room, therapy setting, or at home.
Each year, more than 100 million people around the world rely on feeding tubes, yet traditional setups—especially those involving intravenous poles—often limit mobility, increase safety risks, and restrict participation in everyday life. FeedUp said its product offers a portable, lightweight feeding system that secures the feeding tube upright, helping prevent air bubbles, kinks, and disruptions—without tying users to fixed equipment or stationary spaces.
While FeedUp eliminates the need for IV poles in clinical settings, it also addresses the challenge of how to support safe and independent feeding in real-world environments.
“CDID and CSH’s partnership with FeedUp has been instrumental in enhancing patient mobility and overall care delivery, both inside and outside the hospital,” said Michael Dribbon, vice president of business development and chief innovation and research officer at Children’s Specialized Hospital. “This device allows caregivers and clinicians to be more hands-on with patients during therapy and transport while giving families and individuals a solution they can confidently use at home or on the road.”
FeedUp can also fit inside a specially designed backpack that discreetly holds feeding equipment in a safe, upright position. This gives users the ability to feed while walking, working, learning, or traveling.
“While working as a physical therapist at Children’s Specialized Hospital, I saw the emotional and physical toll feeding equipment can take on individuals and families,” said Dr. Heather Domingues, founder of FeedUp. “I created FeedUp to help people spend less time confined to their rooms or equipment—and more time being active, engaged, and independent.”
Caitlin Lopez, clinical educator at Children’s Specialized Hospital Long Term Care, said “sharing FeedUp improved our patients’ ability to move freely without being attached to bulky equipment. It’s given our staff more flexibility, and it’s made feeding more comfortable and empowering for families—whether at the hospital or at home.”
