A nurse is providing teaching to a client who gave birth 8 hr ago and is exclusively breastfeeding. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Consuming additional calories each day is essential to support milk production. Breastfeeding mothers require approximately 450–500 extra calories daily to meet the increased metabolic demands of lactation. Adequate nutrition ensures sufficient milk supply and maternal health, making this the correct teaching. Choice B reason: Avoiding seafood entirely is unnecessary. While certain fish high in mercury should be limited, many types of seafood are safe and provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Blanket avoidance is not evidence-based. Choice C reason: Waiting 1 hour after consuming alcohol is not sufficient. Alcohol passes into breast milk, and the recommended guideline is to avoid alcohol altogether or wait at least 2–3 hours per drink before breastfeeding. Therefore, this statement is inaccurate. Choice D reason: Caffeine does enter breast milk, but it does so quickly, not slowly. Moderate caffeine intake (about 200–300 mg/day) is generally safe, but excessive intake can cause irritability and poor sleep in infants. The statement is misleading and incorrect.