Oxytocin only initiates labor when there are sufficient oxytocin
receptors in the uterus.  These develop in the 24 hours before labor.
So if a mother has preterm contractions during breastfeeding, her
oxytocin receptors have proliferated too early.  We do not fully
understand the process involved in the initiation of labor, but it makes
good common sense for a woman who is experiencing painful contractions
during breastfeeding to weigh that highly in her decision to wean.  Most
women do not experience this.

Remember also that Braxton Hicks contractions have a purpose (actually
two- to get the uterus ready for the marathon, and to push blood against
the placenta to increase oxygen transfer to the baby as the baby grows,
both of which are more and more needed as labor approaches).  They are
not something to be avoided, again, unless something pathological is
happening.
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html