Final answer:
A breastfeeding mother typically produces about 1.5 liters of milk daily, accommodating her infant's growth with nutritional changes from colostrum to mature milk. Hormonal regulation plays a critical role, and an additional 720 Kcal/day is needed for lactation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A lactating mother typically produces about 1.5 liters of milk daily to meet the needs of a single infant. The composition of breast milk changes over time, initially presenting as colostrum, which is rich in protein but has less fat and glucose than mature milk. As the infant grows, colostrum transitions to mature breast milk, which changes from foremilk to hindmilk during feeding to satisfy both thirst and hunger. Moreover, lactation demands extra calories, so a mother will require approximately an additional 720 Kcal/day for energy. The biology of lactation is complex, involving hormones like prolactin, oxytocin, growth hormone, cortisol, parathyroid hormone, and insulin, which facilitate the transfer of nutrients to the milk.
Milk production and breastfeeding provide essential hydration and nutrients to an infant for the first 4-6 months. This process is sensitive to supply and demand; frequent milk removal keeps prolactin levels high, sustaining milk production over time. If breastfeeding is stopped, the remaining milk is reabsorbed, usually ending lactation.