Final answer:
The infant's mouth should cover most of the areola when properly latched on during breastfeeding. This allows for effective feeding and is essential for the infant's nutrition and growth. Colostrum and breast milk provided by the lactating mother carry important nutrients and beneficial bacteria for the infant's health.
Step-by-step explanation:
When properly latched on, an infant's mouth covers most of the areola, which is the darkened area around the nipple. This proper latch is crucial for effective breastfeeding, ensuring the baby gets enough milk and reducing discomfort for the mother. It also plays a key role in the infant's growth and development during the first few months after birth. The mother's colostrum, and later breast milk, provides vital nutrients and hydration needed by the infant for healthy development.
The lactating mother's body prepares for feeding by developing milk-secreting structures during pregnancy. This process is influenced by several hormones, including prolactin, and continues with milk production after childbirth. Breastfeeding also introduces beneficial bacteria into the infant's gastrointestinal tract, which are crucial for digestion and overall health.
It's important to monitor the infant's growth during this time, as a well-nourished, full-term newborn should start gaining weight rapidly after a small loss in the first week. The first two to three months post-birth are also characterized by significant developmental milestones, including the emerging of deciduous teeth, increased motor skills, and sensory and cognitive development.