SUPPORT FOR PREGNANCY & EARLY PARENTHOOD
Pregnancy & postpartum
From morning sickness to breastfeeding, let’s build a practical nutrition plan that supports your health and your baby’s best start in life. Appointments in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or via telehealth.
Individualised prenatal & postpartum nutrition care
While some pregnancy symptoms and challenges are unavoidable, there are practical, evidence‑based nutrition strategies you can adopt to support your health, your baby’s development and recovery after birth.
Good nutrition in pregnancy and postpartum supports your health now and your baby’s long‑term wellbeing. We provide individualised pregnancy nutrition plans to meet increased nutrient needs and recommend appropriate prenatal vitamins (folate, iron, vitamin D, omega‑3), plus practical strategies for nausea, heartburn, constipation, cravings and low iron. Our care covers gestational conditions such as gestational diabetes, safe postpartum and breastfeeding nutrition to aid recovery and milk production, and specialist support for people with eating disorders. We also give clear, evidence‑based advice on food safety (listeria, mercury, vitamin A), caffeine and alcohol, so you can make informed choices throughout pregnancy and lactation.
Based in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, our Ausclin dietitians deliver personalised, evidence‑based care in‑clinic or via telehealth for regional and remote clients. We work closely with your GP, obstetrician, fertility or maternity team, review tests and medications, and provide ongoing follow‑up to adapt plans as your needs change – practical support to help you feel confident about pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Reach out for a chat.
Nutrition Matters for Mothers
Good nutrition is absolutely essential during pregnancy and the postpartum period, providing the foundation for your own health as well as your baby’s development, both now and for years to come. The demands on your body increase significantly – nutrients like folate, iron, iodine, vitamin D, calcium and omega‑3 fatty acids become especially important to support your baby’s growth, brain development and to reduce risks such as neural tube defects, low birth weight and pre-eclampsia. Many women are surprised to learn that even when they’re trying their best, it’s common to fall short of the recommended intakes for key nutrients. Australian research backs this up, and it’s one reason why seeing an experienced dietitian for evidence-based, individualised advice is so valuable. The right nutrition can also make a noticeable difference with day‑to‑day pregnancy symptoms like nausea, constipation, heartburn, and even make managing gestational diabetes smoother.
Maintaining a nourishing diet after birth matters just as much as during pregnancy. This is a time when your body is healing and adapting – your energy needs change and, if you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need even more nutrients to help produce milk that supports your baby’s growth. Prioritising protein, iron, healthy fats and varied, nutrient‑rich foods helps you recover, keeps your energy stable, and supports mental wellbeing. For many mums, a tailored approach to nutrition can ease challenges such as low energy, weight management concerns or milk supply – helping you feel confident and resilient, whether you’re feeding your baby yourself, using formula, or a mix of both.
At Ausclin, our dietitians specialise in practical, evidence‑informed nutrition for pregnancy and postpartum. We start with a comprehensive review of your health, labs and lifestyle, then build a realistic, individualised plan that works for you. Our care doesn’t stop at a single appointment – we collaborate closely with your broader medical team, including your GP, obstetrician or fertility specialist, to make sure you have coordinated and up‑to‑date support. We follow up and adjust strategies as your situation changes, making sure your nutrition continues to meet your needs through every stage of your pregnancy and parenting journey.
How Ausclin Dietitians help
At Ausclin, you’ll receive personalised, evidence-based nutrition support from experienced dietitians who truly understand the unique needs of pregnancy and postpartum. Whether you’re managing symptoms, preparing for birth, supporting recovery, or navigating dietary concerns, we offer clear, practical advice and compassionate care at every step. Reach out today for the guidance and reassurance you deserve on your pregnancy journey.
Available in-clinic across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, or conveniently via telehealth, so you can feel confident and supported throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Get in touch
Unsure what’s normal or what next steps look like? Reach out for clear, evidence‑based guidance tailored to you.
We are Here to Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the nutritional needs of pregnancy and early parenthood can feel like a minefield of ‘do’s and don’ts.’ Our FAQ section is designed to cut through the noise, providing clear, evidence-based answers to the questions we hear most in our clinic. Whether you’re managing morning sickness, curious about supplement safety, or looking for ways to support your postpartum recovery, you’ll find the guidance here to help you feel nourished and empowered at every stage of the journey.
I’m struggling with severe morning sickness—can you help?
Yes. We provide practical, evidence-based strategies to manage nausea and vomiting, ensuring you and your baby still get the essential nutrients you need during the difficult first trimester.
How do I know if my prenatal vitamin is actually working?
Not all supplements are created equal. We review your blood tests and dietary intake to ensure your prenatal vitamin provides the right levels of folate, iron, and iodine for your specific needs.
I’ve just been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. What now?
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but we’re here to help. We provide gentle, non-shaming guidance on carbohydrate management and blood sugar monitoring to keep you and your baby healthy.
Can nutrition help improve my milk supply?
While supply is mostly driven by demand, adequate hydration and specific “galactagogue” foods can support the process. We focus on ensuring you have enough energy and nutrients to sustain breastfeeding comfortably.
What are the most important foods for postpartum recovery?
Healing after birth requires extra protein, iron, and anti-inflammatory fats. We help you plan simple, “low-prep” meals that support tissue repair and keep your energy stable during those early weeks.
Is it safe to drink caffeine while breastfeeding?
In most cases, moderate caffeine is perfectly safe. We provide clear, clinical guidelines on caffeine and alcohol so you can make informed choices that work for you and your baby.
How do you support mums with a history of disordered eating during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can be a challenging time for body image. We provide trauma-aware, weight-inclusive care that focuses on nourishment and health markers rather than just the number on the scale.
When should I book my first postpartum appointment?
Many mums find a check-in around 4–6 weeks postpartum helpful to review iron levels, discuss energy needs, and ensure their own recovery is on track while they care for their newborn.
What are the most important “brain-building” nutrients for my baby?
While many focus on folate, nutrients like Choline, Iodine, and Omega-3 (DHA) are critical for your baby’s brain and eye development. We help you identify the best food sources and ensure your supplement routine covers these essentials.
I’m exhausted and have “pregnancy brain.” Is this nutrition-related?
It can be. Fatigue and “brain fog” are often linked to low iron stores or unstable blood sugar. We review your pathology and intake to ensure your energy levels are supported, helping you feel more like yourself again.
Can I stay on a plant-based or vegan diet during pregnancy?
Yes, but it requires careful planning to meet increased needs for Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc, and Protein. We specialise in helping plant-based mums-to-be ensure they are hitting every clinical target for a healthy pregnancy.
How do I manage the “all-day” hunger I’m feeling in the second trimester?
Increased hunger is a normal sign that your baby is growing! We focus on “satiety-pairing”—matching fiber and protein—to help you feel satisfied and maintain stable energy without the constant hunger crashes.
What foods should I avoid to keep my baby safe?
Navigating food safety (like listeria and mercury risks) can be stressful. We provide a clear, evidence-based guide on what to avoid and, more importantly, plenty of safe and delicious alternatives so you don’t feel restricted.
I’m worried about my weight gain during pregnancy. How do you help?
Our approach is weight-inclusive and non-shaming. Instead of focusing solely on the scale, we focus on the quality of your nourishment and your clinical health markers, helping you feel confident and comfortable in your changing body.
Is it normal to feel so depleted after birth, and how can nutrition help?
“Postpartum depletion” is a very real experience where your body’s nutrient stores are low after pregnancy and birth. We focus on “replenishment therapy”—using iron-rich foods, anti-inflammatory fats, and easy-to-digest meals to help you recover your strength and mental clarity.