Mother’s Uterus Contraction to Standard Size
During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges from the shape of a pear to that of a giant balloon to make room for the fetus; then, the uterus will have to stretch back to its average size by the time the baby is born.
When the baby is breastfeeding, stimulation of the nipple occurs and secretes hormones called Oxytocin from the brain to be released into the bloodstream. It allows milk production, and at the same time, it will cause involution, a natural process involving the pregnant uterus returning to its average size before pregnancy. This process begins after the baby is delivered and the placenta is removed from the uterus. Involution usually takes about six weeks to complete.
The level of Oxytocin also increases during regular breastfeeding. It helps uterine contractions and significantly reduces the risk of bleeding, allowing the uterus to return to its previous shape and size slowly.
Generally, a mother who breastfeeds will have less blood loss after delivery, and makes room for a faster involution of the uterus.
