Human lactation is the process by which a woman produces milk to feed her child. The amount of milk a woman produces can vary greatly from woman to woman, but the average woman produces between 25 and 35 ounces of milk per day. This amount is typically enough to meet the nutritional needs of a newborn baby.
The composition of breast milk changes over time to meet the changing needs of the baby. Colostrum, the first milk produced by the breasts, is high in protein and low in fat. As the baby grows, the milk becomes higher in fat and lower in protein. Breast milk is also easily digestible and contains antibodies that help to protect the baby from illness. It is the ideal food for a newborn baby.
