After birth pains. WTF?!
Sorry, what? Why would I be in pain AFTER birth?
“After Pains” are the sensation you might feel in the uterus in the days immediately following birth.
They are caused by your uterus contracting as it shrinks back to it’s pre-birth size.
Did you know? The uterus grows 500x its original size during pregnancy!
As with everything, everyone will experience these differently and to differing degrees of intensity, but most describe these as similar to contractions they felt during childbirth (maybe the earlier ones!).
Not so fun fact! People often report after pains being more intense with second or subsequent babies.
It is believed that this is because the uterus may have more shrinking to do!
Another not so fun fact is that you may experience these sensations most whilst breastfeeding your baby. The act of breastfeeding naturally causes the uterus to contract due to a surge in oxytocin.
What can you do?
Use hypnobirthing tools and calming techniques from labour
Hypnobirthing is for life!!!
Drink plenty of water and eat nourishing food.
Remember, the uterus is a muscle and it will work more comfortable if its hydrated and packed full of energy.
REST!
Give yourself and your body time to recover. Physically, emotionally and spiritually!
Keep breastfeeding
This is likely to shorten the process as the uterus will contracts more efficiently
Take the pain meds if needed!