Final answer:
Mothers may cease breastfeeding due to lactation difficulties and discomfort such as breast engorgement. Milk production is part of a hormonal loop influenced by the baby's suckling, and the composition of milk changes throughout the breastfeeding period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number one reason mothers give up breastfeeding is often due to difficulties in lactation and the physical discomfort it can cause. A woman who stopped breastfeeding suddenly can experience breast engorgement and leakage due to the abrupt cessation of the positive feedback loop involving her infant's suckling, the release of prolactin, and oxytocin, which are hormones that regulate milk production and letdown. During the early days of lactation, colostrum is produced, which is rich in immunoglobulins and essential for the newborn's immune defenses. As breastfeeding continues, the composition of breast milk changes from the watery foremilk, which quenches the infant's thirst, to the creamier hindmilk, which provides satiety. When breastfeeding is stopped suddenly, it can disrupt the established milk supply-demand balance, leading to engorgement as the body will take time to reabsorb the milk. Repeated and frequent milk removal is important to maintain a supply based on the infant's needs.