The neonatal nutrition staff includes registered dietitians and registered dietetic technicians. The dietitians are licensed by the Ohio Board of Dietetics and registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration by the American Dietetic Association. Many dietitians have additional training or certifications.
The neonatal nutritionists serve as the nutrition consultants on the clinical team in the NICU. They advise the team on nutrition management for intravenous (IV), nutrition (parenteral) and oral (enteral) nutrition.
Premature or other high-risk newborns have unique nutrition needs, and the neonatal nutritionists’ role is to work with the team to ensure those needs are met. They monitor the baby’s clinical status including lab values and growth parameters to help determine if the nutrition therapy is tolerated. Prior to discharge, the nutritionists ensure each baby is on a nutritional regimen that will meet the infant’s needs at home.