Nutritional care at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Proper nutrition and healthy eating are important for all children. Some conditions require infants and children to have a specialized diet and supplement plan. That’s why pediatric registered dietitians are part of our multispecialty care teams at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis and Evansville. Our pediatric dietitians specialize in nutrition plans for children with enteral feedings (using a feeding tube), growth disorders and other chronic conditions. We work with specialists in neonatology, gastroenterology, cancer care, endocrinology and nephrology, neurology, critical care and more. When your child is in the hospital, we work closely with their doctor to deliver nutritional care that supports their recovery. With a doctor’s referral, our dietitians also deliver outpatient nutritional care for infants and children.
What to expect during your child’s clinic visit with a dietitian
Whether your child uses a feeding tube or eats food normally, we provide personalized nutrition plans that support your child’s health and development. Your child’s dietitian starts by listening to you. We also review your child’s medical records from their referring doctor. You may be asked to bring a list of medications and a 3-5 day intake log (list of everything your child consumes). Together, you and your child’s dietitian will go over the list and talk about your concerns. Then, we work with you to create a care plan. Your child’s care plan may include a modified diet, supplements, or both.
Nutritional support for infants and children
Some health conditions require children to have a specialized diet or supplement plan. Pediatric dietitians specialize in nutritional care for children with concerns and conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders
- Failure to thrive
- Food allergies and food sensitivities
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Lipid abnormalities, including fatty liver
- Oral aversions (food aversions)
- Overweight or underweight
- Picky eating
- Prediabetes and diabetes
- Tube feeding management