Final answer:
The correct statement indicating understanding of postpartum nutritional needs is that the patient's dietician recommended a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week. Sudden or excessive changes in diet or calorie intake are not advised during the postpartum period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient's statement that "My dietician has set my weight loss goal at 1 to 2 pounds per week" indicates that she understands the teaching. During the postpartum period, gradual weight loss is advised rather than abrupt or excessive calorie reduction, especially since this patient is formula feeding and does not require the additional calories needed for lactation. A healthy weight loss goal postpartum is typically around 1 to 2 pounds per week, taking into account that extra calories are not needed as they would be for breastfeeding. This weight loss approach ensures that the mother can return to her pre-pregnancy weight in a safe and healthy manner without compromising her nutritional status.
On the contrary, the statements A, C, and D suggested changes that might not align with the recommended postpartum nutritional needs or might imply unnecessary dietary alterations. Increasing caloric intake by 600 calories, as mentioned in choice A, potentially leads to excessive weight gain rather than weight loss, while starting an unsupervised diet, as mentioned in option C, could result in inadequate nutrient intake. Taking extra vitamins without medical advice, as in option D, is generally not needed and can sometimes be dangerous.