Many claim to be a nutritionist. But only a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) meets rigorous academic requirements with clinical training, holding a degree from an accredited university. Our RDNs stay informed of guidelines set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to provide our patients with expert nutrition counseling.
The primary purpose of the first appointment is to assess your child’s nutritional status, habits, and lifestyle. Before the appointment, we will send you several forms to complete. These forms will help us understand your child’s current eating habits, any physical activity, and any specific nutrition-related concerns you may have.
During the appointment, we will review your child’s medical history, including any diagnoses, current medications or supplements, and any relevant growth or weight history. We will also discuss your child’s food preferences, dislikes, and any potential food allergies or sensitivities. We will look into meal patterns, snacking habits, and how meals are being prepared, paying special attention to any challenges related to picky eating, food aversions, or other mealtime difficulties.
We will also analyze your child’s food records or food frequency questionnaires to estimate their caloric intake and evaluate the balance of macronutrients and micronutrients in their diet. This helps us assess whether they are getting the right balance of nutrients to support their growth, development, and overall health.
Every child’s nutritional needs are unique. Our goal in the first session is to learn more about your child’s specific needs and to understand your family’s expectations. As registered dietitians, we will work with you to create a personalized nutrition plan that supports your child’s health, whether it’s addressing picky eating, managing chronic conditions like diabetes, or ensuring optimal growth and development. We are here to provide you with expert guidance to help your child thrive.
The number of follow-up nutrition appointments your child may need depends on several factors, including the specific nutrition goals, the complexity of any medical conditions, and how well your child adapts to dietary changes.
For example, children with feeding difficulties or picky eating may benefit from more frequent sessions to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. Children with specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, may require regular follow-ups to manage their condition effectively.
In pediatric nutrition therapy, follow-up appointments typically occur every 2 to 4 weeks after the initial consultation. This frequency allows for timely evaluation of your child’s response to dietary interventions and provides an opportunity to address any challenges or concerns.
A dietitian on our team will work closely with you to determine the appropriate frequency of follow-up appointments based on your child’s unique needs and goals. Regular follow-ups ensure your child receives the support necessary to achieve optimal nutrition and health outcomes.
We believe that understanding and meeting the unique nutritional needs of children and adolescents is essential for fostering lifelong health and well-being. Collaborating with a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist provides the tools to:
Our team of certified nutritionists and registered dietitians is dedicated to empowering families with the knowledge and strategies needed to support their children’s health. Education is a cornerstone of our approach, enabling families to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating habits. We are committed to working with you and your family to achieve a healthier, more balanced life.
Choose a certified nutritionist and/or registered dietitian that holds a certification from one of two boards: The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (C.N.S.) and/or The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (C.C.N.), both of which require a master’s degree in nutrition or a related degree with certified practical experience before sitting for the exams.
Here are some questions you might want to ask before deciding on nutritionist:
What is your educational background?
Are you certified by a nationally recognized organization?
Are you a member of any professional associations?
Are you certified in CPR and first aid?
Can you provide me with client references?
How do you work with clients with goal setting?
How do you chart progress?
Do you require a physician’s release form? Will you update my medical history?
How much do you charge per session? What are your billing and cancellation policies?
We work with babies, toddlers, children, and adolescents and their families. We work with children with ADHD and autism. We work with children and teens with diabetes, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, eating disorders, sensory processing disorders, and chronic diseases like cancer
We can provide your child and family the support you need to feel empowered to make the best nutrition choices and improve everyone’s relationship with food. Mealtime doesn’t have to be battle time.