Senior Specialist Dietitian – Paediatrics
Hi, I’m Michelle! There are so many conflicting messages about what is ‘good’ and ‘bad’ for us, what we ‘should’ and ‘shouldn’t’ eat. These mixed messages make it so difficult to figure out what a healthy diet should look like. With over 15 years experience as a dietitian I understand how challenging it is. Throw into the mix a fussy eater, a food intolerance or some other special food requirement and it’s no wonder so many parents feel lost when trying to reach their own and their child’s nutrition needs. Parenthood is stressful enough without this added pressure (I’m a mum of 3, trust me, I know!). The habits our children learn now are the ones they’ll take into adulthood, and this includes the habits formed around food and eating.
This is why I am incredibly passionate about working with families. I want to help parents set their children up for a lifetime of healthy eating. I also work with adults across a wide range of conditions and look forward to meeting you.
Does your fussy child seem more than just a picky eater?
Working with many children over the years I have seen that sometimes, although fussy eating is a normal part of early childhood development, it’s important to note, that not all fussy eaters are the result of poor habits. Some toddlers and kids, known as problem feeders, are struggling to eat because there is an underlying condition affecting the physiological or psychological elements of eating – it could be a lack of oral skill development or sensory issues. In this instance, more help and support is required, often from a multi-disciplinary team which includes an occupational therapist, speech pathologist and dietitian. As the dietitian on your support team I can help you and your child overcome these barriers and make mealtimes fun.
Through my studies and experience as a Mum, I have not only built a solid knowledge of nutrition needs in the early stages of life, but I have also developed practical strategies to help reduce the stress around mealtimes in your home. Let’s work together and build your confidence with food and nutrition!
Read more about how Michelle can help you with a problem feeder.
Michelle can help you with:
Family and Kids – Healthy growth management for kids, healthy eating for families, introducing solids to your baby, feeding fussy toddlers and kids (including those with feeding difficulties), sensory feeding issues and support for other paediatric issues.
Special Diets – Balanced and evidence-based support for keto or very low carb diets and intermittent fasting.
Gut and Digestion – Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, low FODMAP diet, food intolerances, food allergies, maximising and improving gut health, digestive issues (diarrhoea and constipation), diverticulitis, coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease and support for other gastrointestinal issues.
Mental Health – Eating disorders, ARFID, disordered eating and building a healthy relationship with food.
Women’s Health – Amenorrhea, menopause, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition
Sports Nutrition –Endurance sport performance (running, cycling, rowing, dancing), Race day/Competition day nutrition
Michelle’s qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry), from the University of Sydney
- Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics, from the University of Canberra
- Certificate in Paediatric Dietetics through the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne
- Completed: SOS Approach to Feeding for Problem Feeders Training
- Completed: Eating Disorders for Dietitians Training
Q&A with Michelle!
What’s your favourite food?
Cheese – the smellier the better! Not so much the hard cheeses (don’t get me wrong, they’re still good) but more like a triple cream brie or blue vein – yum!
What’s your favourite cooking method?
I love a good stir-fry! It’s such a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. Plus, the huge variety of vegetables and flavours that work well in a stir-fry means that no 2 meals need to be the same.
Why did you become a dietitian?
I have always been a real ‘people person’ so I knew that whatever I grew up to be it would involve helping people. I am also a self-confessed science nerd. At university I majored in Biochemistry for my Science degree. After an amazing lecture series on metabolism (did I mention I was a bit of a nerd?) I was inspired to go on to do my Masters in Dietetics. Being a dietitian is the perfect career for me. I get to work with people and apply scientific evidence to improve their health!
What’s your area of expertise and why?
My areas of expertise are paediatric dietetics and sensory feeding issues. My main introduction into the world of paediatric dietetics was when I became a mother myself. Through playgroups and other child based activities I came to fully appreciate just how hard it can be to navigate the overwhelming amount of dietary advice out there on what to feed or not feed your child. I realised how lucky I was to be a dietitian because there’s enough to stress about being a parent without having to factor food into it!
This motivated me to undertake further studies with a Certificate in Paediatric Dietetics so that I can help families overcome food and diet issues, hopefully making parenting that little bit easier.
My interest in paediatric dietetics led me into exploring and learning more about sensory feeding issues. I find this such a fascinating area of nutrition. Being able to understand the sensory experience of eating is the key to improving food acceptance and diet quality in both children and adults.
What’s your philosophy when it comes to food?
All food is there to be enjoyed. Sure, some types should be enjoyed more often than others, but it should all be eaten without guilt or shame. There’s no such thing as a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ food. I am very passionate about helping clients find the balance in their diet so that they can just enjoy food.