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Lactation provides for the newborn the proper quantity and quality of food. There are no alimentary restrictions for the mother in the lactating period, but in case of complications such as obesity or gestational diabetes, nutrition counseling is necessary. The milk demand of the infant dictates the mother’s capacity of milk production and is influenced by age, growth rate and by any other medical conditions. Breastfeeding offers optimal nutritional intake, even when the mother’s food intake is limited, except for the case when the mother has a chronically deficient diet. Energy requirement depends on maternal age, weight, height and level of physical activity, alongside the necessary elements for milk synthesis. The micronutrients and macronutrients requirements depend on the maternal nutritional status, the mobilization of tissue deposits and on their rate in milk secretion, in order to provide a proper growth and development of the newborn. Weight gain or loss in lactation is similar as in nonpregnant women, but weight loss after pregnancy is influenced by factors such as weight before pregnancy, age, parity, race, smoking status, the amount of physical exercises and if the mother returns to work outside her home. Special situations such as multiple gestations, obesity or recent bariatric surgery require support and encouragement for a proper breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactation provides for the newborn the proper quantity and quality of food. There are no alimentary restrictions for the mother in the lactating period, but in case of complications such as obesity or gestational diabetes, nutrition counseling is necessary. The milk demand of the infant dictates the mother’s capacity of milk production and is influenced by age, growth rate and by any other medical conditions. Breastfeeding offers optimal nutritional intake, even when the mother’s food intake is limited, except for the case when the mother has a chronically deficient diet. Energy requirement depends on maternal age, weight, height and level of physical activity, alongside the necessary elements for milk synthesis. The micronutrients and macronutrients requirements depend on the maternal nutritional status, the mobilization of tissue deposits and on their rate in milk secretion, in order to provide a proper growth and development of the newborn. Weight gain or loss in lactation is similar as in nonpregnant women, but weight loss after pregnancy is influenced by factors such as weight before pregnancy, age, parity, race, smoking status, the amount of physical exercises and if the mother returns to work outside her home. Special situations such as multiple gestations, obesity or recent bariatric surgery require support and encouragement for a proper breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]