Are you wondering if your child/family would benefit from seeing a Dietitian but not sure what it would involve? It can feel a little daunting talking about eating habits and behaviours but the goal of a Dietitian is to help, not to make you feel guilty!
At Kids That Go, our dietician, Phoebe, is eager to support families achieve their goals and feel positive about the steps it takes to get there. Below is an overview of how a Dietitian can help your child and what an appointment generally includes.
When should I book my child in with a Dietitian?
Consider booking in your child with a dietitian if they are experiencing any or a few of the following:
- They are very selective with their food intake/ reject many foods
- They eat minimal fruits, vegetables and legumes
- They will not eat the same meal as the family
- Mealtimes are especially stressful
- They have nutrient deficiencies e.g. low iron
- You suspect they have a food allergy or intolerance
- They suffer from gut symptoms e.g. sore tummy, constipation, bloating
- They have a disability or developmental delay impacting their ability to eat a balanced diet
- They are not growing as expected
- They have a poor appetite
What does a Dietitian do?
Your first session will be an assessment to learn more about why you are looking for support. During this session and future sessions, your dietitian will provide recommendations and plans relevant to your child.
Assessment includes:
- Checking your child is growing as expected.
- Reviewing their diet to make sure they are getting the nutrients their body needs to support growth.
- Reviewing blood tests to check for nutrition related issues such as nutrient deficiencies.
- Discussion about how to optimise the feeding environment to support the child to feel comfortable to eat.
- Identification of how the diet may be impacting on bowel function.
Dietitian provides you with:
- Individualised nutrition plan using evidenced based approach.
- Goals determined in collaboration with the child and their family.
- Strategies, recipes, supplement advice (where appropriate).
- Ongoing appointments to monitor dietary change and response to diet. Goals and strategies are adjusted as necessary.
What could sessions with a Dietitian help me achieve?
Book in with our friendly dietitian if you would like support to help your child:
- Eat for optimal growth and development
- Improve their relationship with food
- Reduce picky eating behaviours
- Manage allergies and intolerances
- Enjoy family meals through creating a calmer feeding environment
- Eat a greater variety of core foods
- Manage gut symptoms
PHOEBE STARLING
Accredited Practising Dietitian
