The nurse is counseling a lactating mother about diet. What would the nurse include with this information?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Eat 1000 more calories than her usual pre-pregnancy diet: Consuming an extra 1000 calories per day exceeds the recommended increase for lactating mothers and may lead to excessive weight gain without additional benefit to milk production. B. Eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables: While a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables is important, reducing protein intake is not recommended during lactation, as adequate protein is essential for milk production and maternal recovery. C. Consume 500 more calories than her usual pre-pregnancy diet: Lactating mothers generally require about 450–500 additional calories per day to support milk production. This caloric increase ensures sufficient energy for the mother while maintaining adequate nutrient content in breast milk. D. Drink 3 to 4 tall glasses of fluid daily: Adequate hydration is important, but lactating mothers typically need more than 3–4 glasses of fluid daily. Fluid intake should be guided by thirst and individual needs rather than a fixed low amount.