Final answer:
A breastfeeding mother can expect to produce around 1.5 liters of milk daily, which adjusts to the infant's demand. Breast milk changes from colostrum to transitional, then to mature milk, with foremilk and hindmilk varying during a feed. Hormones like prolactin regulate this process, and milk production ceases about a week after breastfeeding stops.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a breastfeeding mother goes home from the hospital, it is important to understand the natural process of establishing milk supply in response to infant demand. The initial weeks may include leakage, soreness, and bouts of milk engorgement. Eventually, she will produce about 1.5 liters of milk per day. Breast milk composition varies, with colostrum being produced in the first few days providing vital immunoglobulins, followed by transitional milk, and then mature milk. During a feed, the foremilk satisfies thirst, while the hindmilk provides more fat and satisfies hunger. It's key to note that after about a week without breastfeeding, milk production typically ceases.
Several hormones including prolactin and oxytocin are involved in milk production. The synthesis of milk is prolactin-mediated and changes over time—frequent feeding or pumping helps maintain high levels of prolactin. Remember, cow's milk is not a suitable substitute for breast milk, as it has different proteins and mineral content which are difficult for the infant to digest.