Fertility, Pregnancy, & Postpartum Nutrition Counseling

Can nutrition affect fertility?

The short answer: Yes. Nutrition plays a role in hormone health, ovulation, blood sugar regulation, energy availability, and other things that can impact your reproductive health.

The longer answer: We’ve noticed that the impact of nutrition on fertility often gets exaggerated on social media and in certain “wellness” circles. There’s no “magic bullet” food, supplement, or diet that will magically help you get pregnant or ruin your chances at pregnancy. Anyone who claims that “this one thing” or “these 5 things” will lead to pregnancy (or, alternatively, is solely responsible for your fertility struggles) is lying to you, and probably trying to sell you something.

Our dietitians are very intentional about providing guidance that’s evidence-based and helpful, without overpromising results. We help you make changes that could improve your chances of pregnancy, while steering you clear of bunk science that sounds great but doesn’t actually work.

Do you work with people who have PCOS or irregular cycles?

Yes, our dietitians work with clients navigating PCOS, irregular periods, hypothalamic amenorrhea, endometriosis, and other hormone-related concerns that may affect fertility or pregnancy. There’s no single “PCOS diet” that works for everyone, because PCOS shows up differently in different people. Something that helps one person manage PCOS symptoms might actually worsen symptoms in another person. That’s why we recommend that anyone with PCOS seek out individualized guidance from a dietitian and other qualified health professionals, instead of just following an online plan or a wellness influencer’s advice. 

Can a dietitian help with nausea and food aversions during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, food aversions, heartburn, constipation, and lack of appetite can make it tough to eat. While it’s often impossible to avoid these symptoms altogether, a dietitian can help you tailor you lessen their frequency by tailoring your eating habits and routines. Again, there’s no “cure” for these symptoms, but individualized nutrition guidance helps you feel confident that you’re getting the nutrients you need to support your pregnancy. 

What if I’m struggling to eat “perfectly” during pregnancy?

First, lets be clear: There’s no such thing as “perfect” eating, during pregnancy or otherwise. People who champion very specific (usually restrictive) diets or foods for pregnancy probably mean well, but these kinds of recommendations often come from a place of fear. Putting all your effort into eating “perfectly” might help soothe your fear of something going wrong during your pregnancy for a little while. (AKA, “As long as I follow this diet to a tee, I’ll have a healthy baby and an easy delivery.”) But really, the pressure to have the “perfect” pregnancy only adds stress, and there’s no way to guarantee any outcome.

Our dietitians take a measured, realistic approach to nutrition guidance during pregnancy. Many of our clients who struggle with perfectionism have enjoyed the book Expecting Better by Emily Oster.

Do you help with gestational diabetes?

Yes. Too often, a pregnant person will get diagnosed with gestational diabetes and told to “just avoid sugar and limit carbs.” While that advice might be well-intentioned, it’s vague and hard to put into practice. It’s also not really correct. We help clients manage gestational diabetes using a balanced, realistic approach that supports blood sugar management without avoiding carbs or tracking every morsel of food. We can help you build meals and snacks that feel satisfying, sustainable, and supportive for both you and your baby.

Will I have to cut out carbs if I have gestational diabetes?

Nope. Carbohydrates are an important energy source for everybody, but they’re especially important during pregnancy when your body is working overtime to create a new human while also keeping itself alive (seriously incredible stuff!). Instead of eliminating carbs, we teach our clients how to build meals that balance carbs with protein and fat, and that contain fiber. That way, the body gets the energy it needs without big blood sugar swings. 

Can nutrition counseling help after pregnancy?

Yes. We’re obviously biased, but we think that nutrition counseling is helpful at any stage of life.

There’s a reason the postpartum period is called the “fourth trimester.” There are so many unique things happening in your body during this time, and you’re dealing with them while also caring for a newborn. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, and it’s pretty common for nutrition to fall to the wayside for a while. Working with a dietitian can take some of the stress out of food, and appointments are a great time to troubleshoot things like unpredictable eating schedules, inconsistent appetite (think: forgetting to eat for hours and then feeling painfully hungry all of a sudden), and rebuilding a consistent relationship with food after pregnancy. Virtual appointments are convenient for new parents, and can be a good way to combat the isolation that people sometimes feel during the postpartum period.

Do you help with breastfeeding nutrition?

Yes. Our dietitians can answer your questions about hunger, hydration, milk supply, meal ideas, returning to exercise, and fighting the constant cultural pressure to “bounce back” after pregnancy. 

If you’re struggling to breastfeed, we have a lactation consultant on staff who can come to your home (in the Raleigh area) or meet with you virtually. These appointments are collaborative and often fun! Go here to learn more about our lactation consulting services.

Can I work with a dietitian during pregnancy if I have a history of disordered eating or an eating disorder?

Yes, please do! Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring up a lot of food and body image challenges, especially if you have a history of dieting, disordered eating, or eating disorders. Because all of our dietitians are trained in eating disorders and intuitive eating, we’re a great fit for pregnant people who want nutrition guidance that doesn’t feel triggering or diet-y.

Do you offer virtual perinatal nutrition counseling?

Yes. We offer in-person appointments in Raleigh and virtual nutrition counseling for clients in North Carolina several states. We understand that you’re busy, and we’re happy to make nutrition counseling more accessible via telehealth.