Lets get to know each other!

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The Ostomate Nutritionist

Hi, I’m Ann-Marie. I became an ostomate in 2020, weeks after the birth of my first baby. My ileostomy was created due to severe acute ulcerative colitis. From the moment I was handed an A4 sheet with β€œfoods to avoid” in hospital, I knew there was a huge gap and lack of understanding in helping ostomates with their nutritional goals while navigating this β€œnew normal”. My background in nutrition allowed me to focus directly on nutrition for ostomates and J-pouchers and in 2023, Nua Nutrition the home of The Ostomate Nutritionist was born.

Nua

- β€˜new’ in Irish to reflect this new way of living

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I’ve dealt with many challenges while having my ileostomy and J-pouch -  two bowel obstructions, pancaking, leaks, a hospitalisation due to dehydration, high out put ileostomy, frequency issues and a diagnosis of automimmune pancreatitis in the mix too. It’s been a bumpy road but one which has taught me alot, both as a patient and a practitioner. 

So, whether you have an ileostomy or a J-pouch, supporting and guiding you nutritionally is my biggest goal.

Nutrition does matter for ostomates and I truly believe that we deserve to have an amazing quality of life with our unique bodies.

Why Me?

I help ileostomates and J-pouchers with the nutrition challenges that surround this new way of living- things like hydration, deficiencies, consistency issues and fatigue to name a few,. After being handed a sheet of the do’s and don’ts to eat after ostomy surgery, I recognised first hand the huge gap in dietary and nutrition after care, education and guidance for ostomates. My passion to help people like me grew from there. I want to ensure you live a great life and nourishing your body with this β€˜new normal’.

I get it and understand. I can support and guide you through your nutrition challenges because I lived it too.

Close-up of a person's midsection wearing a light sweater and dark pants with a drawstring, showing a stoma bag attached to their abdomen.

I’ve lived it and understand the challenges and changes that need to happen.

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Masters in Research Nutrition

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Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nutritional Science

Member of The Nutrition Society of Australia

I remember the surgeon standing at the end of my bed and uttering the words of "removing your colon will cure you". I was naive and believed him. Although it did save me, my stoma came with its own challenges that were, at times, difficult
In case you needed a reminder, you can thrive with an ileostomy or J-pouch. At first, it can be overwhelming, and there are bumps along the way. Lots of figuring things out, learning new ways to eat, readjusting, and adapting. But I always maintain
Fibre. One of the biggest challenges when reintroducing foods and often the one food type ostomates fear the most. We are often told to follow a low fibre diet, especially post surgery. But did you know there are many different types of fibre? And s
πŸ’¨ Ever woken up to a bag full of wind? Or had a blow out because of it? Or maybe had some urgency because of the build up in your pouch...(not to mention the sounds it can make!) πŸŒ‹πŸ˜… Gas can cause issues for ostomates and often results in those t
I often recommend an ORS as a useful tool in an ostomates tool box. πŸ’¦It can help replace electrolytes lost in sweat, or more commonly for ostomates, in loose output or loose bowel movements to treat & prevent dehydration. πŸ’¦If you struggle w