Afterpains are most severe during nursing due to release the of hormone oxytocin and many women feel afterpains are much worse than delivery itself. But the good part is that the cramping gradually decreases and is usually quite mild by about two to three days following birth. Although afterpains may cause some discomfort but they also help in reducing uterine bleeding.
While afterpains tend to be relatively mild after the birth of first baby, they can be extremely painful after second or subsequent deliveries.
Here are few things you can do to avoid afterpains:
# Go to bathroom after every one or two hour as a full bladder displaces the uterus and makes it prone to inefficient contraction. Urinating frequently may help minimize your pains.
# During the first three days after delivery try massaging your lower abdomen externally as this will help in relaxing uterus. Try relaxation and deep breathing exercise.
# Taking painkillers will also help but you must always consult your doctor if it's safe to take while you are breastfeeding.
# Lie down on your abdomen with a pillow or towel against your lower abdomen. This will put pressure on your uterus and will help to lessen the intensity of pain.
# You can try herbs or tincture such as After Ease which are made to ease afterbirth contractions. But before taking them consult your doctor if they are safe to consume while breastfeeding.
# Some women say that drinking tea during the two to 3 days after childbirth helps in combating afterapins.
# Keeping a heating pad or warm water bottle on abdomen can reduce afterpains. If you have severe afterpains, try lying on your abdomen with heating pad underneath you.
# Many times taking calcium and doing regular exercise can prevent afterpains. Taking calcium supplement twice daily during the last trimester and into the postpartum period as well can relieve afterpains.
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