Dietitians are an essential part of the Women’s Health Care multidisciplinary team. Nutrition care can impact the health of the mother and her baby, as well as reduce the impact of many conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal diseases and obesity.
What is a Registered Dietitian?
Registered dietitians (RDs) have expertise in food and nutrition science. The Clinical Dietitian provides leadership in the management of medical nutritional therapy to ensure that patients and their families receive optimal and appropriate nutrition care and education. RDs are professionals qualified to:
- Assess nutritional needs for individuals and groups of people
- Provide nutrition advice to prevent and treat disease
- Educate health professionals and the community
- Conduct research in food and nutrition science
In order to practice as a registered dietitian in Ontario, membership with the College of Dietitians of Ontario is mandatory.
What type of nutrition counseling is available?
- Counseling to achieve a healthy weight which may improve fertility outcomes
- General prenatal nutrition counseling
- Assistance with gaining the recommended amount of weight in pregnancy
- Managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
- Managing other nutrition-related health conditions in pregnancy
- Infant feeding recommendations, and starting solids with baby
- Postpartum nutrition concerns
- Nutritional issues in gynecological patients
How can I meet with the Women’s Health Care dietitian at London Health Sciences Centre?
This service is available to women receiving care in the Women’s Health Care department at LHSC. During your visit, ask your health care provider for a referral to meet with the dietitian. The dietitian will schedule an appointment to meet with you.
