Postpartum Afterpains: What Are They? How Do I Find Relief?
Wait!!! My baby is here and I’m still having contractions?!?! Sorry to be the bearer of not-so-pleasant news, but cramping and discomfort doesn’t go away immediately after birth. These postpartum cramps are called afterpains and they’re completely normal. Just like everything else childbirth related, everyone experiences afterpains differently. Some don’t feel them at all, while others just feel a twinge here or there, some say they feel some cramping during or after nursing, and then others complain of intense, stop-you-in-your-tracks pain. Afterpains are typically strongest for the few days after childbirth and can last for up to a week. Postpartum cramping serves a significant purpose, they’re a physical sign that your uterus is shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy shape and size. As uncomfortable as it is, your uterus firming back up is a good thing because it helps minimize your bleeding. For those that breastfeed, they may feel labor-like cramping while nursing because your body is producing oxytocin, which helps contract the uterus. Also, afterpains are known to be stronger with a larger baby, multiples, and with each subsequent pregnancy.
Okay…. So you’re sharing all of this is, but what can I do to ease the discomfort?
Just Breathe - use the same breathing techniques you used during labor and birth.
Get Some Rest - it’s a little harder with a newborn, but try to rest as much as possible. Follow the old adage, sleep when the baby sleeps.
Empty Your Bladder - a full bladder can make cramping worse. The more you hydrate your body, the more you’ll go to the rest room, which helps your body release the extra fluids from pregnancy.
Kick Back and Relax – also slightly difficult after childbirth, but if you can find a way to relax then go for it. If you had a vaginal birth, lay on your stomach with a soft pillow tucked up close to your tummy. If you had a cesarean, lay on your side with abdominal support.
Use Pain Medications – chances are, your provider prescribed you a narcotic and ibuprofen or acetaminophen; take them as needed, you received them just for this reason. Before taking any new medications, check with your provider to make sure they are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Herbal Remedies – not crazy about pharmaceuticals? Try some natural medicine…. AfterEase tincture, Earth Mama Angel Baby Comfort tea, Skullcap tincture, cramp bark tincture, Arnica tablets, liquid calcium-magnesium, and Motherwart can all help with relief. As with everything else, check with your provider before taking.
Use Your Common Sense - do anything that provides you a sense of comfort or makes you feel better. For example, a warm cup of tea, hot water bottle, heating pad, warmed rice sock, stay hydrated, and/or healthy eating (bone broth, fresh fruits, green salads).
Belly Binding – belly binding is the art of wrapping a postpartum belly and hips to help support your abdominal muscles and hasten the healing process. Please contact me if you’re interested in learning how to properly bind your abdomen.
Not everyone feels afterpains, so do not be concerned if you do not experience them. This does not mean that your uterus is not healing or shrinking. If you are concerned your uterus is not returning to its pre-pregnancy state, ask your postpartum nurse to teach you how to check its progress on your own. If you have any particular concerns, be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife.
Unsure of what you’re really feeling or the next steps you take. Let’s figure it out together! My add-on services can be provided in- person or virtually.