DESC: The mother's proper diet while pregnant and nursing may be the most vital link in the chain of ensuring a baby's health during infancy and beyond. In this guide, the Institute of Medicine provides much of the information health professionals need to offer their patients the healthiest possible eating plans. Clearly written and comprehensive, this book's step-by-step plan will make it easy for doctors, midwives, nurses, and other care providers to lead mothers-to-be and new mothers into optimum health. From individual instruction regarding weight gain during pregnancy through whether to prescribe supplements, through delicate topics including when to refer patients to federal food programs, this useful book fully covers nutritional subjects and will prove invaluable to health professionals or interested prospective parents.