Breastfeeding gives your baby the best possible start in life as it has lots of benefits for both you and your baby that last a lifetime. However, your baby may be referred baby to the dietitian if there concern about their nutrition or growth.
The dietitian working with the Neonatology Service provides specialist advice on nutrition for babies. The service is provided as individual inpatient or outpatient consultations.
For whom? Babies with a specific nutritional issue or concern about their growth while in the neonatal unit or attending the outpatient baby clinic under the care of a hospital consultant.
How? Your baby’s hospital doctor or nurse can refer your baby to the dietitian if there concern about their nutrition or growth.
When? The dietitian will review your baby either during their hospital stay or will offer an outpatient appointment / consultation.
Where? If your baby is offered an outpatient appointment, details will be on the appointment letter.
If you are concerned about your baby’s nutrition or growth or if you have questions about feeding your baby after they go home from the hospital, contact your baby’s local public health nurse or GP for advice. They may be able to refer your baby to a community based dietetic service, or if necessary they may refer your baby to a hospital clinic which may then refer your baby to the hospital dietitian.
The Hospital Dietitian is only available for babies under the care of a hospital consultant and referral can only be accepted from hospital staff.
Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics