Final answer:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of age. The average weaning age in the U.S. is much earlier than the global average, at around 9 months. Breast milk production is responsive to an infant's needs, and breastfeeding can continue for years after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding, without introducing solid foods, through 6 months of age. According to La Leche League International, the mean age of weaning a child from breastfeeding is four to five years worldwide, but in America, this occurs much earlier. A conducted hypothesis test to determine if the mean weaning age in the United States is less than four years would likely confirm this since the reported mean weaning age in a survey of U.S. mothers was nine months, well below the global average.
Breastfeeding is complex and can be challenging in the first few weeks, with issues such as leakage, soreness, and milk engorgement. However, once established, the milk supply and infant demand become synchronized. A lactating individual can produce approximately 1.5 liters of milk per day for a single infant, and the supply adjusts with the infant's growth spurts. It's noteworthy that breastfeeding can continue for years, with transitional milk coming after colostrum, followed by mature milk, which differs significantly from cow's milk in composition.