FAQ Fertility, Prenatal, Postpartum Dietitian
Don’t be fooled by the name. “Nutritionist” is not a professional title. 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 for their fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health.
Why is nutrition important during pregnancy?
Optimal nutrition during pregnancy (even preconception) is the most influencing, non-genetic, factor in maternal health and your baby’s development (including a child’s growth, cognitive development, and long-term risk of developing chronic diseases).
Why should I see a prenatal dietitian nutritionist?
- A prenatal nutritionist dietitian can provide you with personalized nutrition recommendations to help ensure that you are getting all the essential nutrients you and your baby need. They can also provide guidance on how to manage common symptoms like nausea, constipation, and heartburn.
- If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or celiac disease, an RDN can help you manage your condition through appropriate dietary modifications.
- Receive guidance on appropriate weight gain and develop a healthy eating plan to achieve your goals.
- A healthy diet during pregnancy can help prevent complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and preterm labor.
- An expert lactation RDN can provide you with breastfeeding support and guidance.
Do you offer online appointments?
Even before the pandemic, we met with clients virtually. We use a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform to ensure the utmost confidentiality. By attending to patients virtually, we can work around your unique schedule and needs, and time-zone.
Is there a difference between a nutritionist and registered dietitian nutritionist?
Yes! “Nutritionist” is not a professional title. Only a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) meets rigorous academic requirements with clinical training. An RDN must hold a degree from an accredited university. Moreover, our team of RDNs stays informed of guidelines set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to provide our patients with expert counseling for their health.
What vitamins and nutrients do I need to stay healthy while pregnant and after having the baby?
Oils, fats, protein, dairy, Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vegetables and fruits, vitamins B, C and D and more are all parts of a healthy diet, particularly while pregnant. Each trimester has different nutrient requirements. Your RDN will evaluate your current diet and eating behaviors to determine the best foods for you and your baby. Each diet plan is individualized, depending on your unique needs.
Can you create individualized diet plans to suit each patient’s needs?
Absolutely. We wouldn’t do it any other way. Every body is unique. We work with women from all walks of life, honoring their food traditions and individual needs. Developing individualized diet plans to include necessary nutrients, supplement protocol, and more is what we do best!
Am I eating for two?
No, though you do need extra calories – depending on which trimester you’re in as well as during breastfeeding. We’ll address your unique calorie and nutrient needs during our sessions.
How much weight should I gain? Should I try to lose weight while pregnant?
It’s important to maintain a healthy weight. There is no one-number-for-all. It depends on your weight and health level pre-pregnancy. Now is not the time to diet, instead the time to develop a healthy diet plan and establish healthy eating behaviors to take you through your maternity and postpartum healing.
