Final answer:
The correct answer indicating understanding of breastfeeding instructions is "I will feed my baby whenever he shows hunger cues." This aligns with on-demand feeding, which is crucial for regulating milk production based on the infant's needs, from colostrum to mature milk with changing nutritional content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that indicates an understanding of breastfeeding instructions is: D. "I will feed my baby whenever he shows hunger cues." This is in line with the recommended practice for breastfeeding, known as on-demand feeding or responsive feeding. The lactating person's body is finely tuned to the infant's needs, and milk production is regulated through a feedback mechanism that operates on supply-and-demand. Lactation involves complex hormonal interactions, primarily involving prolactin and oxytocin. During breastfeeding, the composition of breast milk changes to meet the infant's nutritional requirements.
Initially, in the first few days postpartum, the breast produces colostrum, which is rich in immunoglobulins and serves to boost the newborn's immune defenses. As lactation progresses, transitional milk follows colostrum and then matures around day 10. Mature milk consists of foremilk, which quenches thirst, and hindmilk, which provides more fat and satisfies hunger. Furthermore, the act of suckling itself stimulates milk production, showcasing a positive feedback loop where the more the infant feeds, the more milk is produced.