Some mothers need assistance to find practical strategies for getting adequate rest and resuming outside activities, especially if they are breastfeeding.

Some mothers benefit from concrete suggestions for achieving adequate intake in the face of increased family demands. The use of rapid weight-loss methods should be discouraged. Weight loss is usually gradual; it may take many months to achieve prepregnant weight. Some women resume smoking to lose weight more easily, but this poses long-term health risks for the mother, exposes the infant to smoke, and may interfere with the let-down reflex when nursing.

Infrequent or delayed feeding may lead to problems of reduced milk supply and engorgement. Problems with