Final answer:
Most women are physically capable of breastfeeding, experiencing an initial adjustment period followed by regular milk production. Lactation can persist for years but ceases once breastfeeding is stopped for about a week, with any remaining milk reabsorbed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Almost all women are physically capable of breastfeeding their children. The lactation process involves the synthesis and secretion of milk from the mammary glands after childbirth in response to an infant suckling at the nipple. During the initial period of breastfeeding, mothers may experience leakage, soreness, and milk engorgement as the milk supply adjusts to the infant's demand.
This period is followed by the establishment of a regular production of approximately 1.5 liters of milk per day for a single infant, and a greater amount for multiples like twins or triplets. Lactation is a dynamic process where the milk supply continuously adapts to accommodate the growing infant's needs, something witnessed during growth spurts.
Generally, lactation can continue for years; however, it will diminish and cease if breastfeeding is stopped for about a week, as any remaining milk is reabsorbed. After cessation, resuming suckling or pumping typically does not restart milk production.