"Her guidance was invaluable"

Our baby has just turned one, and I want to express my deep appreciation for the care and support we’ve received over the past year.

From birth, our little girl struggled with feeding and weight gain. We were very fortunate to meet Jennifer early in this journey. When our baby was re-admitted to the Ulster due to slow weight gain, prolonged jaundice, and dehydration, I was breastfeeding and feeling overwhelmed. From the very first meeting, Jennie was incredible. She provided reassurance, carried out a detailed assessment of latch, and guided us through combination feeding to support her recovery. Both my partner and I felt safe and supported by her.

What made the biggest difference was Jennie’s consistent, compassionate, and individualised care. She really got to know our baby and us as parents. She supported me in continuing to breastfeed, and later, in my decision to transition fully to bottle feeding.

Although that transition wasn’t the solution to our baby’s feeding and weight gain difficulties as we’d hoped, Jennie never stopped being there for us. She arranged regular check-ins, but more importantly, she was always accessible whether by text or phonecall. When things felt scary or overwhelming for us. Her child-centred approach and professional empathy went far beyond what I expected from a dietitian. I think it's fair to say Jennie also supported my emotional well-being as a mother who was postnatal and very worried.

From August to December 2024, when our baby was not under paediatric care, Jennie’s guidance was invaluable. She consistently tailored her advice to our child’s needs and supported us through some very difficult months.

We also received excellent support from our health visitor, Michaela, and our GP. Michaela, in particular, was fantastic offering regular visits, weight checks, and clear communication.

However, I would like to highlight the difference we experienced between health visiting/GP services and some of the attitudes experienced during aspects hospital care that I've written about previously. It was very difficult at the time and in contrast, Jennie’s presence in the hospital was a huge reassurance.

When our baby was allocated to Dr Courtney, Consultant Paediatrician, it was immediately clear that she was determined to understand what was happening and how best to help while supporting us as parents. From the outset, we felt reassured not only by Dr Courtney’s calm and attentive approach but also by the excellent rapport between her and Jennie. It was clear she understood how challenging the previous months had been. Referrals to other services were made promptly, with clear explanations about what to expect and why. Even her wider team reflects this kindness and professionalism, her secretary always responds quickly to messages, communicates clearly, and does so with warmth.

Although our baby still requires some ongoing support, she has made huge progress over the past six months, particularly since weaning from the bottle. We are so grateful for the consistent, professional, and compassionate care provided throughout this journey.