The nurse advises the postpartum patient to breastfeed regularly to lower her risk for postpartum hemorrhage. The reason behind this suggestion is that this method of feeding increases which production?

A. Estrogen production: Estrogen levels decline rapidly after delivery to allow lactation to begin. Increased estrogen would actually interfere with milk production rather than support uterine involution. Estrogen does not contribute to postpartum uterine contraction. B. Oxytocin production: Breastfeeding stimulates nipple receptors, triggering oxytocin release from the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin causes uterine smooth muscle contraction, promoting uterine involution and reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This physiologic response is the basis for encouraging early and frequent breastfeeding. C. Lactose production: Lactose is synthesized in the mammary glands as a component of breast milk. While important for infant nutrition, lactose production does not influence uterine tone or bleeding control. It has no role in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. D. Progesterone production: Progesterone levels fall after placental delivery, which allows milk secretion to occur. Increased progesterone would inhibit lactation and does not promote uterine contraction. Progesterone is not involved in reducing postpartum bleeding.