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What is a dietitian and how are they different to other health professionals?

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A dietitian is a university-qualified nutrition expert who has studied human physiology, disease conditions, human nutrition, and food science. We understand how complex it can be to answer the question, “Is this food good for me?” because there is no one-size-fits-all answer. In addition to factors such as age, gender, and fitness level, a dietitian considers an individual’s overall health and medical history when completing an assessment and identifying their nutrition priorities.

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Dietitians are also experts in assessing the growth patterns of babies and children. Measurements are just one part of the assessment when evaluating growth. Eating, drinking, sleeping, mealtime routines, illness, and other factors all contribute to the overall assessment and the development of a tailored nutrition plan.

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Why would I choose to see a dietitian for myself or my child?

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Good nutrition is essential for babies and children to support healthy growth and development. If they are not eating or drinking well, this can have a significant impact on their day-to-day behaviour, as well as their longer-term growth and development. Whether your child is an infant having only breast milk or formula, is starting solids, or is older and eating family meals, a dietitian can help if you have concerns about their eating.

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Are they just going to coach me on eating healthy food?

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A dietitian is absolutely qualified to provide guidance on healthy eating and lifestyle habits, but that is only one part of what we discuss in a consultation.

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You can expect:

• A comprehensive nutrition assessment tailored to you or your child

• A nutrition diagnosis that directly relates to your nutrition goals

• Individualised nutrition goals that take into account:

  • your medical history, such as diabetes, surgery, allergies or intolerances, pregnancy, or low iron

  • your family medical history

  • your goals around weight loss or weight gain

  • your social circumstances, such as shopping, cooking, and eating with others

  • your food preferences and lifestyle

• support and practical advice to help you make behaviour changes and achieve these goals

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If you are mainly looking for general information about healthy eating, here are some evidence-based websites you can explore without needing to see a dietitian:

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Eat For Health

Baby nutrition: healthy eating habits | Raising Children Network

Healthy eating habits for children | Raising Children Network

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Do I need a referral?

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No, you do not need a referral—you can contact me directly to make an appointment. In some circumstances, your GP or medical practitioner may be able to provide an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referral so you can access subsidised fees. Some private health insurance extras policies may also cover part or all of the cost of your appointment(s).

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What can I expect from seeing a dietitian?

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You can expect your nutrition concerns to be heard and to receive personalised, evidence-based recommendations designed to address them.

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Here are some examples of the kinds of concerns we can work through together:

1. An infant with growth concerns who is refusing bottles

2. A toddler who is refusing to eat meat, with mealtimes becoming increasingly stressful

3. A child showing signs of food refusal who has lost weight over the past 6–12 months

4. An adult recently diagnosed with diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes) who would like nutrition guidance to help manage blood sugar levels

5. A woman hoping to conceive who has recently been advised by her GP that weight loss and/or improving blood sugar levels may increase her chance of conception

6. An adult managing a complex chronic disease that is affecting appetite, perhaps alongside nausea or taste changes, resulting in muscle and weight loss

7. An adult who simply wants to feel their best, improve energy levels and sleep quality, and build a healthier relationship with food