What action is described to stop maternal bleeding after delivery?

• A. Massage the mother's abdomen and allow the baby to nurse
• B. Elevate the legs and administer fluids
• C. Apply ice packs to abdomen
• D. Call for assistance only

Answer: (A)

The main concept is stopping postpartum bleeding by promoting uterine contraction. After delivery, the uterus needs to contract to compress the blood vessels at the placental site. If it doesn’t contract effectively (uterine atony), bleeding is heavy. Massaging the abdomen over the uterus—fundal massage—helps stimulate and maintain a firm uterus, which constricts blood vessels and reduces bleeding. Having the mother nurse the baby triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that further promotes uterine contractions, enhancing the effect. Together, these actions directly address the cause and help stop the bleeding.

Options like elevating the legs with fluids may aid overall perfusion but don’t stop the uterine bleeding at its source. Ice packs on the abdomen aren’t effective for this purpose. Merely calling for help without addressing the bleeding is insufficient.