Registered Dietitians

A Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) is a credentialed nutrition professional who has completed an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree, a supervised clinical internship, and a national board exam, and must maintain ongoing continuing education. The title “nutritionist” is unregulated in most states, meaning anyone can use it regardless of training. When you work with an RD affiliated with Kindred Connection, you can trust you’re receiving evidence-based, clinically informed care from a qualified expert.

In most cases, no. You can self-refer to an RD for nutrition counseling. Some insurance plans, however, may require a physician referral for coverage, we recommend contacting your individual provider to confirm what your plan needs.

Any time is the right time. Many people begin in the first trimester for support with nausea and early nutrition, while others connect with an RD after a gestational diabetes diagnosis, in the third trimester to prepare for postpartum, or while trying to conceive. Early support often makes the journey smoother, but it’s never too late to start.

Yes. Nutrition is the cornerstone of gestational diabetes management. A Registered Dietitian can help you build a flexible, satisfying eating pattern that supports stable blood sugar, monitor your numbers with you, and reduce the stress and overwhelm that often come with a GD diagnosis, without restrictive or shame-based approaches.

Our affiliated Registered Dietitians practice from a weight-inclusive, non-diet perspective. The goal is to nourish your body, support your pregnancy and recovery, and help you build a peaceful relationship with food, not to assign restrictive plans or focus on the scale.

Postpartum and lactation are nutritionally demanding seasons. An RD can help you replenish key nutrients lost during birth, build realistic meals around newborn life, support your milk supply, stabilize energy and mood, and gently guide you back to movement when you’re ready.

Absolutely. Kindred Connection affiliates believe in collaborative care. With your permission, your RD can coordinate with your OB, midwife, IBCLC, mental health provider, or other members of your care team to make sure your nutrition support fits seamlessly into your overall perinatal care.

Each Kindred Connection affiliate manages their own practice independently, including insurance panels, payment options, and rates. We recommend reaching out directly to the provider you’re interested in, or visiting their website, to get accurate, up-to-date information about what they accept. Many providers also offer telehealth options, sliding scale fees, or out-of-network superbills, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Many of our affiliates offer virtual appointments to make care more accessible, especially for parents managing newborn schedules, recovery, or transportation barriers. Check each provider’s profile or website for details on telehealth availability.