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 “foods 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 “new 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

- ‘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 ‘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
💨 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!) 🌋😅 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. 💦It can help replace electrolytes lost in sweat, or more commonly for ostomates, in loose output or loose bowel movements to treat & prevent dehydration. 💦If you struggle w