Diets and eating disorders: implications for the breastfeeding mother

Although research is inconclusive or lacking, breastfeeding women who are on special diets or who have eating disorders are in need of nutritional counseling. This article provides information about the dietary risks of breastfeeding women, particularly those on weight-loss diets and vegetarian diets, and breastfeeding women who have anorexia or bulimia. Recommendations for dietary guidance are given based on information available about breastfeeding and maternal nutrition. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of the lactating woman's nutrition on her health and the health of her child.