I’ve been a registered dietitian since 1999. And a mum since 2007. And in that time I’ve learnt a lot! I know professionally and personally what works and have helped thousands of parents be more confident and reassured about HOW and WHAT to feed their children. Practical, relatable and non-judgemental are the three words that clients most commonly use. This makes me happy because as a mum, I know that theory isn’t much good if you can’t put it into practice! And it makes me sad to see parents feel guilty for not making their own nut butter or feel like a failure if their child prefers crackers to broccoli! Solid Start is for you if you want to get your children off to the best start in life with food and eating and not feel overwhelmed and stressed out while doing it.

As a mum of four with a job I loved, I didn’t set out go into business. But in 2016 while on maternity leave with my last baby, I decided to run Baby Weaning Workshops while weaning my own baby. You see, one of my pet peeves is inaccurate and misinformed nutrition advice! And I saw it everywhere! Online, in mother and baby groups and among friends. My first Baby Weaning Workshop here in Cork in August 2016 was a roaring success. So, I continued offering them monthly even after returning to the HSE as a community dietitian. Weaning Workshops led to Toddler Classes and private consultations. And, in June 2018, I quit my HSE job to build Solid Start into a one-stop-shop for professional feeding advice. Then in 2019, I also followed my dream to qualify as a lactation consultant.

I now run Solid Start from my home in Cork that I share with my husband, my three boys (aged 17, 15 and 11) and our 8-year old daughter.