Navigating Nutrition: A Dietitian's Journey and Tips for Parents

I have been a dietitian for 17 years, 13 of which were spent working within the NHS. My career started as a Band 5 dietitian in an East London district general hospital, covering elderly care, general medicine, cardiology, and various other specialities. These early years were incredibly formative, offering me a taste of numerous fields, from respiratory wards to stroke rehabilitation.

As I progressed, I moved across London, gaining experience in increasingly specialised roles. My journey took me to a specialist primary care dietitian position, where I encountered a diverse array of patients daily, including children facing issues like fussy eating, constipation, and food allergies. To enhance my skills, I completed the British Dietetic Association (BDA) paediatric modules 1 and 2.

My career then led me to a Band 7 specialist diabetes role in Lewisham, an area rich in cultural diversity. Here, I became adept at managing diets tailored to West African and Sri Lankan cuisines. I delivered patient education sessions and worked in various clinics, including those for gestational diabetes and type 1 diabetes, becoming a DESMOND and a DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating) educator.

After having my first daughter, I sought a role closer to home and transitioned to a paediatric dietitian position at Barnet Hospital, part of the Royal Free NHS Trust. This role involved working on general wards, a neonatal unit, and consultant-led diabetes and allergy clinics. I even helped establish a specialist paediatric diabetes role, which I later took on.

Following the birth of my second daughter, we moved to Oxford, where I started building a freelance business while covering gestational diabetes clinics. A position in the paediatric department of the local hospital soon opened up, which I took on until the arrival of my third daughter. Balancing three young children and a demanding job led me to fully embrace freelance work, offering much-needed flexibility.

My Freelance Role

In my freelance practice, I provide tailored support for families dealing with various nutritional challenges. Whether it’s managing single or multiple food allergies, advising on weaning (including weaning with allergies), plant based eating or helping with weight management (underweight or overweight) and food refusal issues, I’m here to help. I work extensively with children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), who can have sensory issues and limited diets.

I also collaborate with a major children’s catering company, assisting with menu development, recipe analysis, and nutrition consultancy. Additionally, I’m part of Nichola Ludlam-Raine’s team at Mummy Nutrition and support nurseries in meeting voluntary nutritional guidelines through training and consultancy.

How to Find a Dietitian

Finding the right paediatric dietitian is crucial. You can search for a freelance dietitian by area on the BDA website and verify their credentials on the HCPC register. It’s essential to choose someone you feel comfortable working with and who has experience in the area you need help with. Paediatric Dietitian’s should always work within their area of competency and I will sometimes refer a family on to another dietitian if I think they would benefit from their expertise more. With years of experience and three children of my own, I understand the challenges of providing nutritious meals for kids. And no, my kids don’t always eat healthily either! You can find me on the HCPC register , BDA Freelance Directory and through Bupa find an expert.

Virtual Consultations

Many dietitians’, including myself, offer virtual consultations. This flexibility means you don’t need to live nearby to access support. Often, I prefer to speak with the child’s parent or guardian first, allowing for open discussion without the child present. This also saves your child from missing school or nursery. Before the appointment, it’s helpful to provide a food diary, recent growth measurements, and any relevant medical documents. A follow up is included in my package as it’s a really good way of checking progress.

If you’re interested in learning more about how I can support your family’s nutritional needs, please get in touch. Let’s work together to ensure your child’s diet is as balanced and enjoyable as possible.