Final answer:
Breastmilk provides a complete diet for infants for the first six months of life, with its composition evolving from colostrum to mature milk to meet the baby's changing needs. Lactation can continue for years, but if breastfeeding is stopped, milk production typically ends within a week. Breastmilk not only delivers essential nutrients for growth but also offers protective immunoglobulins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Breastmilk is designed to provide a complete diet for infants for the first six months of life. During this period, the composition of breastmilk changes to meet the baby's nutritional needs.
Colostrum is the first form of milk produced immediately following delivery, rich in immunoglobulins and key nutrients, which is secreted during the first 48-72 hours postpartum. After about the third postpartum day, transitional milk is produced, which eventually evolves into mature milk approximately ten days after childbirth.
A lactating mother generally produces about 1.5 liters of milk per day. This milk production can adjust in quantity and composition during growth spurts to meet an infant's increased demands. If breastfeeding is stopped, lactation typically ceases within a week as remaining milk is reabsorbed by the body.
Nevertheless, the capacity to lactate can persist for years if breastfeeding continues. Additionally, a healthy baby may require about 850 ml of milk daily, providing roughly 578 Kcal/day.
The nutrients in breastmilk, including its energy content, are critically important for infant development. Breastmilk also contains immunological properties that protect infants from bacterial and viral infections. After six months, the introduction of complementary foods alongside breastmilk is recommended to ensure continued adequate nutrition.