What is the minimum number of kilocalories a lactating woman should consume per day for healthy weight management?

A lactating woman requires a significantly increased caloric intake to ensure both her own health and the adequate production of breast milk for her infant. The recommended daily caloric intake for lactating women typically starts around 2200 to 2500 kilocalories, depending on various factors such as age, weight, activity level, and overall health.

Choosing the lowest option of 1800 kilocalories does not meet the nutritional and energy needs during lactation. Consuming insufficient calories can lead to inadequate milk supply and could negatively impact the mother’s energy levels and nutritional status.

The 2000 kilocalories option, while closer than 1800, also falls short of the recommended guidelines for lactating mothers. Therefore, the correct answer is actually 2200 kilocalories or more, which supports both adequate milk production and helps maintain the mother's overall health during this demanding period.

To summarize, while weight management is important, it must be balanced with the nutritional needs of lactation, underscoring that a minimum caloric intake should be well above 1800 kilocalories for optimal health and milk production in lactating women.