Reinforcing breastfeeding education, which statement indicates understanding?

• A. Cramping is a sign of infection.
• B. I may notice increased cramping when I am feeding my baby.
• C. Cramping means my milk will not come in.
• D. Cramping is unrelated to breastfeeding.

Answer: (B)

Feeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract and involute after birth. Those contractions often show up as cramping, especially during or after a feeding. This is a normal sign that the uterus is working to return to its pre-pregnancy size, and it’s often described as mild to moderate afterpains in the first days postpartum. The statement that cramping may increase when nursing demonstrates understanding of this physiology. Cramping is not a sign of infection, it does not indicate that milk won’t come in, and it is not unrelated to breastfeeding—these ideas don’t align with the normal hormonal response to suckling. If cramps become very strong, persistent, or are accompanied by fever or heavy bleeding, that would warrant assessment.