Final answer:
A woman can breastfeed until any age, with the typical weaning age worldwide being around four to five years old. In the United States, most nursing mothers wean their children much earlier, around nine months. The composition of breast milk changes during lactation to meet the infant's needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
A woman can breastfeed until any age, although the typical age of weaning varies around the world. According to La Leche League International, the mean age of weaning worldwide is around four to five years old. However, in the United States, most nursing mothers wean their children much earlier, with a random survey showing a mean weaning age of nine months.
The composition of breast milk changes during lactation. In the first few weeks, there may be leakage, soreness, and milk engorgement as the milk supply adjusts to the infant's demand. Once this period is complete, a mother produces approximately 1.5 liters of milk per day for a single infant, adjusting the supply as the infant goes through growth spurts.
However, it's important to note that a woman's ability to produce milk and breastfeed is a personal decision influenced by factors such as the infant's needs and the mother's preferences and circumstances.