Final answer:
It is typical for breastfed newborns to be fed 8-12 times per day to meet their nutritional requirements and establish the mother's milk supply, while the breast milk's composition changes to suit the developing needs of the infant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Typically, 8-12 feedings per day are normal for breastfed newborn infants. Frequent feedings support the baby's nutritional needs and help establish milk production. Breastfeeding patterns may vary as the milk composition changes during the first days postpartum from colostrum to mature milk, and then from foremilk to hindmilk during a single feeding. Colostrum, which is produced in the first 48-72 hours, is especially rich in immunoglobulins to bolster the newborn's immune system. As breastfeeding continues, lactation is maintained by the suckling action, which triggers oxytocin release and the delivery of milk from alveoli to the infant.