Pathway Contributor: Susan Firus
Credentials
BHE
Bio
Susan Firus received a Bachelor of Home Economics (dietetics) degree from the University of British Columbia and completed her dietetic internship at Vancouver General Hospital. Her first position was as the dietitian for the Diabetes Specialty Centre and Lipid Clinic at Shaughnessy Hospital. Most of her career was spent working at Dial-A-Dietitian, later Dietitian Services at HealthLinkBC, where she was initially a contact centre dietitian and in later years, a manager. Susan worked closely with Dietitians of Canada on the development of CPEN, a version of PEN customized for a call centre, which was launched simultaneously with PEN. She also assisted with the launch of EatRight Ontario. Susan is currently a contractor for Dietitians of Canada as a PEN evidence analyst.
Contributions
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What herbal beverages/supplements are safe to take during pregnancy and lactation?
Role: Reviewer
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What are the nutritional needs of an individual who is pregnant and breastfeeding an older child? Are there any nutritional concerns for individuals having closely spaced pregnancies?
Role: Reviewer
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Are there adverse effects of high protein diets (including protein powder supplements, collagen) or amino acid supplements in pregnant and lactating individuals?
Role: Reviewer
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Do women without diabetes who experience hypoglycemia during pregnancy (e.g. following oral glucose tolerance testing) have a greater incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes than those who do not experience hypoglycemia? What dietary recommendations can be of benefit?
Role: Reviewer
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Are there any specific considerations with regard to the use of sweeteners (e.g. nonnutritive, artificial, sugar substitutes, intense, low calorie) in pregnancy/lactation?
Role: Reviewer
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Are there any specific considerations with regard to the use of sugar alcohols as sweeteners in pregnancy/lactation?
Role: Reviewer
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What source(s) and type(s) of calcium are recommended during pregnancy?
Role: Author
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Are there safety concerns for the ingestion of fish in individuals who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or lactating related to mercury contamination?
Role: Author