Stir Health

Stir Health Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, certified in prenatal nutrition

I am a Registered Dietitian (Canada) and Nutritionist (South Africa), certified in prenatal nutrition. Originally from the West Coast of Canada, I now call Cape Town home and my physical practice is based on a small farm in Noordhoek. I offer both in-person and virtual consults to clients depending on their preference and location. My expertise lies in supporting mothers through pregnancy to treat

side effects, calculates dietary requirements, give personalized advice on supplements, decrease the risk of prenatal complications, optimize baby’s future health outcomes, de-bunk nutrition myths, and decrease confusion.

11/09/2026

Super excited and honoured to be mentoring for Early Life Nutrition Alliance ‘s Nutrition Therapy for Pregnancy 2026...!

I did this course in 2021 and it completely shifted my career trajectory. It’s what led me to go into private practice and specialise in pregnancy, fertility and postpartum - and honestly, I couldn’t love my job more 🥰🤓

So when I was asked to come back as a mentor for Nutrition Therapy for Pregnancy 2026, it was a very easy yes!

If you’re an RD who’s been wanting to build real confidence in prenatal nutrition — not just more knowledge, but knowing how to actually use it with clients — I cannot recommend this course highly enough.

Here’s what’s included:

✔ 9 weeks of practical, evidence-based training
✔ Live mentoring with prenatal experts
✔ Expert guest speakers
✔ Weekly live sessions, case studies + panel discussions
✔ A resource library, networking opportunities + CPD points
✔ Enrolments open now — starting 21 September

Use code SONIA at checkout for 25% off.

If you have any questions about the program or whether it’s the right fit for where you are in your career, feel free to DM me. Happy to tell you more about it!

EarlyLifeNutrition CPD DietitianCommunity PregnancyNutrition

Your gut health after birth matters more than most of us realise - and new research suggests a traditional Southern Afri...
07/04/2026

Your gut health after birth matters more than most of us realise - and new research suggests a traditional Southern African drink might actually help.

I'm incredibly proud to share that a study I was part of, just published in the British Journal of Nutrition, looked at mageu (a fermented maize drink readily available in SA) and what it does to postpartum mothers' gut microbiome, inflammation, and nutritional status.

Here's what we found (swipe for the full breakdown):

Mothers who drank live-culture mageu (the traditional, unpasteurised kind) showed a significant increase in gut bacteria diversity over 6 weeks. The pasteurised store-bought version didn't have the same effect. Live bacteria appear to be the key.
We also saw lower inflammation markers and shifts toward bacteria linked to better metabolic health. And it was safe, affordable, and culturally familiar — which matters enormously for real-world impact.

This was a pilot study, so more research is needed. But the direction is exciting, especially for a food that's already on our supermarket shelves.

Save this post, share it with a postpartum friend, and drop your questions below — I'd love to discuss.

📖 Full paper: Happel et al., British Journal of Nutrition, 2026

25/03/2026

TTC? Let’s look at what’s on your dinner plate…!

20/03/2026

The first 1000 days begin before conception and extend into early childhood — and they play a significant role in lifelong health.

Nutrition during this time helps shape development in ways that aren’t always visible in the moment, but matter over time.

It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but about knowing where to focus.

Save this if you’re preparing for pregnancy or currently expecting.

I’ve been asked to host an online prenatal nutrition session for midwives and doulas, and I thought I would share it her...
12/02/2026

I’ve been asked to host an online prenatal nutrition session for midwives and doulas, and I thought I would share it here too in case any of you would like to join 😊

This session is designed for midwives, doulas, and other healthcare professionals working with pregnant women, and will focus on practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance for early pregnancy — with plenty of time for discussion and questions.

📅 Date: Wednesday, February 18th
⏰ Time: 13:00 - 14:00 (GMT+2)
📍 Location: Online (Zoom) - replay available for those who cannot attend live
⏱ Duration: 60 minutes (40 min talk + 20 min Q&A)
💰 Cost: ZAR 150

Details are on the flyer. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions or would like to register.








Pregnant and looking for clear, evidence-based nutrition guidance — without overwhelm?Pregnancy Nutrition Foundations is...
30/01/2026

Pregnant and looking for clear, evidence-based nutrition guidance — without overwhelm?

Pregnancy Nutrition Foundations is a small-group online program designed to support you through early pregnancy with clear, evidence-based nutrition guidance — without overwhelm.

March cohort details:
• For women 5–18 weeks pregnant
• Live online group coaching
• Small group for personalised support
• Led by a Certified Prenatal Dietitian

We cover key nutrients, supplements, and trimester-specific priorities that matter most in early pregnancy, with practical strategies you can apply straight away.

👉 Send me a message or follow the link to see if this group is the right fit for you.





If you’re in the early stages of pregnancy (congratulations 🥰) it’s a super exciting time, but also full of questions… e...
04/10/2025

If you’re in the early stages of pregnancy (congratulations 🥰) it’s a super exciting time, but also full of questions… especially about food! Early pregnancy is when nutrition matters most, but it can feel tricky to know what to eat.

This 4-week online program in November will guide you through the essential nutrition principles for early pregnancy — from managing nausea to supporting healthy growth for you and your baby.

Evidence-based, practical, and designed for women in their first and early second trimester.

📅 Starts 5 November | Wednesdays 13:00–14:00 | Online
👉 Visit my website or tap the link in bio to register.

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Noordhoek

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