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The Story Behind The Pregnancy Dietitian and Nourish to Add™ Method

The Pregnancy Dietitian was born during the global pandemic — a time of uncertainty, but also clarity. I saw the need for culturally respectful, science-backed nutrition care for women navigating some of life’s biggest transitions. What started in a small consulting room at Perth Maternity with zero clients has now grown into a space offering in-person support in Cockburn, WA, and telehealth appointments Australia-wide.  While navigating personal grief during COVID, I studied for — and passed — Australia’s competitive Dietitian Skills Recognition exam on my first try. In 2022, my practice earned Medicare approval, formally recognising our work as accredited care.

With 15+ years in the world of food — from researching folate to advising at Nestlé Australia — I’ve seen firsthand how one-size-fits-all advice leaves too many women behind. During my time in industry, I watched well-meaning professionals hand out the same brochure to women from all backgrounds — assuming everyone could thrive on generic guidance. So many women were overwhelmed by advise telling them what not to eat. That moment sparked a drive in me to create something better. 

That's why I created Nourish to Add™ Method- a compassionate, evidence based method that helps you focus on what to add to your plate, not what to restrict. Whether you are navigating IVF, Pregnancy, post- baby weight changes, GLP-1 medications or weight regain after bariatric surgery, this framework gently guides your journey with

- Key nutrition and healthy habits that matter 

- Confidence in your food choices (even with nausea, reflux, vegetarian lifestyle or cultural needs)

- Kindness to your body (no food guilt, ever)

 

It is now the heart of how I practise - and what every consult is built upon.

 

 

 

Education, Training & Memberships

2003-2008

PhD (Food Science and Technology)
The University of New South Wales
Sydney, Australia. 

(Recipient of the highly competitive International Post Graduate Research Scholarship)

2001-2003

Masters (Food and Nutrition)

PSG College of Arts and Science (Bharathiar University)

Coimbatore, India

1998 -2001

Bachelors (Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Service Management)

PSG College of Arts and Science (Bharathiar University)

Coimbatore, India

2021

Nutrition Therapy in Pregnancy 

Early Life Nutrition Alliance, Melbourne, Australia

Memberships

Dietitians Australia, Indian Dietetic Association

© 2025 Dr. Shy PhD APD Nutritionist | Accredited Practising Dietitian | Certified Prenatal Dietitian
Pregnancy, Fertility & Bariatric Nutrition in Perth (Face to Face) | Australia-Wide Virtual Consults  

 

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