The Complete Book Of Breastfeeding M.S. Eiger. MD, S. Wendkos Olds. It will always remain slightly enlarged. Chua S, Arulkumaran S, Lim I et al. Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity.
Suckling helps prevent post-partum hemorrhage.
Nursing her baby causes the mother's body to release oxytocin, which stimulates contractions which help shrink the uterus back to prepregnancy size while expelling the placenta. These contractions also shut off the maternal blood vessels that formerly fed the baby and discourage excessive bleeding. Women who choose not to breastfeed must be given synthetic oxytocin to insure against hemorrhaging. Chua S, Arulkumaran S, Lim I et al. Influence of breastfeeding and nipple stimulation on postpartum uterine activity.