• Maintain increased calorie intake. The 1989 RDA recommend an additional 500 calories per day. However, current research suggests that women with wide varieties of energy intakes adequately breastfeed their infants. Therefore, energy intakes at 2200-2300 calories per day may be compatible with full lactation, full activity and gradual weight reduction to pre-pregnancy weight. Diets too restrictive in calories (<1800 calories per day), however, have been shown to decrease milk supply. A gradual rate of weight loss up to 4 pounds per month is considered safe.
• No need to routinely eliminate specific foods from the mother's diet in prevention of colic, or allergic reactions, except in the patient with documented family allergies. In this case, a hypoallergenic diet avoiding common allergens such as wheat, eggs and peanuts could be recommended. In some cases of severe cow's milk protein allergy, elimination of dairy products may be warranted. Chocolate can be consumed in moderation without causing colic, diarrhea, or constipation in most infants.

• Dietary supplements are generally not necessary unless vitamin-mineral deficiency is identified or mother has a limited diet. As long as a mother is consuming a balanced diet from a variety of foods, her nutrient needs may be met from food alone.
• Caffeine in moderate amounts (less than or equal to 300 mg daily) presents no significant dose to the normal full term infant. This would be equivalent to 18 oz of regular coffee, 8 oz of espresso, or 48 oz of tea per day. Both chocolate and soda contain low amounts of caffeine, 10 mg per 1.5 oz bar and 50 mg per 12 oz can.
• Strict vegetarian diets (vegans or macrobiotic) may require additional diet planning due to decreased B12, B2, vitamin D, calcium, iron and protein intake.
• "Gassy" foods have no scientific basis. However, if a mother questions the effect of a food, she should eliminate it for a period of time to note the effect. Maternal experience is the best gauge.
• Drink fluids to thirst. Many mothers may need reminders, such as drinking every time she breastfeeds or pumps. However, it is not beneficial to force extra fluids.
• A safe level of alcohol consumption during lactation has yet to be determined. Alcohol does enter breastmilk and is metabolized from breastmilk at about the same rate as from the bloodstream i.e. 1½ to 2 hours per ounce. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) considers an occasional social drink of little risk.

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