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Susan Merko
BSc, R.D., Reg. CDO
Registered Dietitian

Experience

Susan has over 30 years of experience working in level 3 neonatal intensive care units and neonatal follow up programs in Toronto and Hamilton.

 

She is a co-founder of the Canadian Neonatal Dietitian Education and Support Network (CndNeoRD) and is recognized by peers for establishing the dietitian's role within neonatal intensive care both provincially and nationally.

 

Susan has many publications which include papers on Post Discharge Nutrition and Infant Formula. She has published research examining preterm human milk composition and neonatal growth outcomes. She co-wrote sections regarding human milk fortification for the Canadian Pediatric Society and Health Canada.

 

While being a strong advocate for human milk, Susan also offers a wealth of knowledge on formula options and fortification recipes for infants with growth concerns. She is passionate about helping families feed their babies well, in a way that feels right for them.

Areas of Focus

Post-Discharge Neonatal Nutrition Follow-Up

For infants who have had a NICU stay, and require support after discharge.

  • weight and growth monitoring

  • support with following special feeding instructions given at discharge

  • monitoring and adjustments to your baby's individualized feeding care plan as their growth and needs change.

Nutrition Counselling for growth or feeding concerns

  • late preterm babies 

  • babies born small for their gestational age

  • failure to thrive

  • Allergies (FPIES, cow's milk protein allergy, etc)

  • reflux, spit-up, tummy discomfort

  • formula intolerance and selecting the right formula for your baby

  • constipation

  • iron deficiency anemia

  • congenital heart defects​

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