Jemma Watkins APD
Founder, Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist, Paediatric Dietitian, Trained Feeding Therapist.
Jemma's passion for gastrointestinal health and paediatric nutrition has developed over 20+ years working with individuals and families. With a diverse background that includes working at the Royal Children's Hospital, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice.
Jemma specialises in:
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paediatric nutrition
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allergies and intolerances
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fussy eating/problem feeding
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including the Division of responsibility of feeding and SOS approach
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hands on food play/feeding therapy
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weight (under & over)
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gastrointestinal health
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IBS
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Crohn's disease/colitis
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coeliac disease
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gut microbiome
Her extensive training and expertise make her a trusted resource for families seeking guidance in these critical areas.
Jemma provides Feeding Therapy (individual and in groups) for children with restricted food intake, including sensory and oro-motor challenges. She is trained in:
- the Division of Responsibility of Feeding
- SOS approach to Feeding Therapy &
- Responsive Feeding
and is a strong believer in incorporating strategies that fit for your child/family/your child's body (i.e. not force feeding/punishment for not eating.)
Jemma draws on vast personal experience, with family members with food allergies, adult and paediatric FODMAP exclusions, RPAH elimination diet, Crohn's disease, arthritis, gastroparesis, coeliac disease, vegetarians and extensive sport/training needs (on top of FODMAP/gastroparesis). Like Shrek so articulately highlighted, we all have many layers, like onions :)
In addition, as an ex prem baby, Jemma has an oro-motor delay (she has the oro-motor skills of a 9mo!) which impacts on her food preferences and gives her an understanding of some of the challenges our difficult feeders face.
With primary school aged children herself, Jemma appreciates the challenges facing busy families and strives to develop personalised strategies that fit in for your family.
