Final answer:
Afterpains, or postpartum contractions, are a normal response to breastfeeding and help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. The nurse should reassure the patient and provide pain management strategies if needed. Positioning and latch techniques can also help minimize discomfort during breastfeeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a postpartum patient reports strong contractions whenever she breastfeeds her baby, the nurse should respond by reassuring the patient that this is normal. These contractions, known as afterpains or postpartum contractions, are the body's way of helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. They are more common in women who have had multiple pregnancies and in breastfeeding mothers.
Afterpains are caused by the release of the hormone oxytocin during breastfeeding. Oxytocin not only helps with milk let-down, but it also stimulates the contraction of uterine and smooth muscles. This leads to temporary discomfort or pain similar to menstrual cramps. The intensity and duration of afterpains vary from woman to woman, but they usually subside within a few days to a week after delivery. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient about afterpains and provide appropriate pain management strategies if necessary, such as using warm compresses, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, or applying topical analgesics. The nurse can also offer guidance on positioning and latching techniques during breastfeeding to help minimize discomfort.