Registered dietitians (RDs) are nutrition experts with advanced training in the nutritional needs of kids. They know how medical conditions, growth and development affect your child’s dietary needs.

At Children’s Wisconsin, our dietitians:

• Tailor your child’s nutrition plan to their age, health and lifestyle
• Teach you and your child how to follow their plan at home, school and in daily activities
• Work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, across multiple specialties
• Partner with doctors, nurses and other experts to support your child’s care

Clinical Nutrition services can include:

• Nutrition counseling
• Support for feeding difficulties, including oral-motor and oral-sensory issues
• Help with special diets, for example, gluten-free for kids with celiac disease
• Guidance for tube feeding or IV nutrition

Our goal is to help your child feel their best, heal faster and develop healthy habits that last.

If your child has a medical condition or special dietary needs, nutrition care may be a key part of their care. Here are answers to common questions:

Can my child see a dietitian in the hospital?

Yes, if they need one. Dietitians are available on every unit to provide nutrition screening and tailor a diet plan to your child. These plans can help shorten your child’s hospital stay, reduce complications and support recovery.

How do we see a dietitian as an outpatient?

Dietitians work closely with the care teams in many of our clinics. To see one of our dietitians your child must also see an expert from that clinic.

We meet with kids and families in:

• Adolescent Medicine
• Herma Heart Institute
• Diabetes and Endocrinology
• Genetics
• Neurosciences Center
• MACC Fund Center
• Pulmonary
• Renal and Dialysis
• Sports Medicine

Do dietitians help with special diets or feeding challenges?

Yes. We help families with:

• Food allergies
• Restricted diets
• Picky eating
• Tube feeding
• Other nutrition challenges

We work with you to create a plan that fits your child’s needs and your family’s routines.