Reassure the mother, as appropriate, and reinforce her successes, such as the infant's growth or the feeding relationship.

You can expect your baby to want to nurse more often if he or she starts to have a growth spurt. This will increase your milk supply.

Discuss strategies and provide materials to assist in coping with the demands of the newborn and other family members.

If applicable, provide tips for eating well with fewer calories (see ideas on page 108 and "Boosting Your Nutrient Intake," page 103.

Encourage the mother to consume a healthful diet based mainly on the Dietary Guidelines (see "Basic Dietary Guidance," Tab 2).

Discourage her from trying diets and drugs that promise quick weight loss.

Provide information for the mother or primary meal preparer concerning practical strategies for healthful family meals.

Assist the mother in finding valid answers to her breastfeeding questions.

Check on the mother's need for physician referral to a breastfeeding specialist.

For problem resolution for breastfeeding mothers, see Tab 10 for sources of information.