A registered dietitian from the Clinical Nutrition Department is assigned to each patient care unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The dietitian will consult with the medical staff for your child about special diets, modified formulas, enteral tube feedings and parenteral (IV) nutrition. She will also provide a nutritional assessment that includes:

• A growth evaluation
• An assessment of nutrient intake
• Formula/feeding recommendations
• Child/parent nutrition education

If your child will be home on tube feedings, we suggest making nutrition consultation a part of your discharge planning. Ask your doctor or case manager to set up a nutrition consultation before leaving the hospital. Our team will also provide instructions for patients who require modified diets and special formulas.