• Provide support and technical assistance in the art of breastfeeding and in coping with other aspects of infant feeding.

• Communicate in a second language or make effective use of an interpreter or translator to communicate with non-English-speaking families.

• Use problem-solving techniques to support breastfeeding women who may otherwise wean their babies prematurely.

• Manage the nutritional care of infants with health problems who have been discharged to routine care.

• Assist the caregiver to solve real or perceived feeding problems.

• Facilitate the parents' use of available community services and agencies that provide resources to support maternal and child nutrition.

• Assist in training home visitors (including peer counselors) to support breastfeeding and to provide guidance on other aspects of infant feeding.

• Develop strategies for achieving consistency of care by various health team members and for triggering appropriate follow-up when there is a change in providers.

• Incorporate new knowledge into nutritional care plans and educational programs.

Because exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended feeding method for infants for the first 4 to 6 months, basic nutritional care for the neonate needs increased attention to support for breastfeeding, preferably beginning before conception. Emphasis should be placed on appropriate anticipatory guidance both pre-and postnatally, direct support in the hospital, and a variety of forms of assistance with breastfeeding management after discharge. Early home visits offer a promising strategy for supporting continued breastfeeding.