Laura -
The Subcommittee on Nutrition during Lactation from the National Academy of
Sciences (1991) recommends that a breastfeeding mother consume about 2700
calories per day (about 500 more calories per day than a non-pregnant, non-
nursing woman).
Mothers often want to lose that baby weight after giving birth. Studies by
Butte (1984), and English and Hitchcock (1968) have found that breastfeeding
mothers can consume between 2200 and 2460 and experience a safe, gradual
weight loss.  The *minimum* safe intake for a breastfeeding mother is 1800
calories per day.  Women who restrict their diet are advised to eat foods high
in nutritional value and to take a vitamin and mineral supplement. Well-
nourished mothers don't normally need to take a vitamin supplement while
breastfeeding.
We recommend that breastfeeding mothers "eat to hunger".  Since a
breastfeeding mother burns more calories than a mother who artificially feeds
her baby, a nursing mother can expect to lose 1.3 to 1.6 pounds per month in
the first six months without doing any special dieting or exercise.  Advise
moms just to watch their baby's diapers and weight to be sure they are gaining
adequately.
The LC series Unit 11 - "Nutrition and Breastfeeding: The Cultural Connection"
by Cynthia Bertelsen, MA, MS, and our own Kathleen Auerbach, PhD, IBCLC has
good information.
LLLI sells a good book called Eat Right, Lose Weight While Breastfeeding by
Eileen Behan, RD as well as a little reprint for moms entitled "Nutrition and
Breastfeeding" ("Answers frequently asked questions about diet and nutrition
during lactation. Includes information on weight loss while breastfeeding,
foods to avoid, and more.") It's no. 159 in the catalog.
I really hate to talk about calories and diets to pregnant and new moms.  They
know what healthy foods are.  Telling them to eat a healthy diet, high in
vegetables, low in fat and sugar, just about covers it.  I think giving
"rules", even "guidelines", makes bf seems harder than artificially feeding.
Cynthia D. Payne
LLL of Berkshire County Mass.