Foster a rooming-in situation in the hospital.

Discourage the hospital staff from giving any supplemental feedings or water.

Reassure: Your diet does not have to be “perfect" to nourish your baby well.

The more your baby nurses, the more milk you will produce.

Take enough fluids (especially milk, juice, water, and soup)to keep from getting thirsty.

You need enough food (at least 1,800 kcal/day)to help maintain milk production and to provide the nutrients that you and your baby need.

For the first 6 weeks, the best guide to how much you should be eating is your own appetite.

Try to keep your intake of coffee, cola, or other sources of caffeine to 2 servings or less per day.

Advise against alcohol consumption, and inform the mother that drinking beer does not aid lactation.

For those who choose to take alcoholic beverages, advise: It is best to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, but certainly have no more than 2 to 2.5 oz of liquor, 8 oz of table wine, or 2 cans of beer on any one day (less for small women).

If environmental contaminants (e.g., heavy metals such as mercury and organic chemicals such as pesticides) are a potential problem in the area, be on the alert for official advisories concerning foods or areas to avoid.

If the mother wishes to use beverages containing sugar substitutes, suggest moderation and discourage her from using these to replace important sources of nutrients.