10/14/2021
After birth pains! ⚡️
These pains are necessary and should not be a reason to be concerned, in most cases. These contractions can last anywhere from 2-6 days, and typically get progressively “worse”, or stronger, with each consecutive child. This is a part of the uterine involution process!
Uterine involution is something I teach about prenatally, and feel all women should be educated on prior to birth. This is where the uterus shrinks back to size, eventually, getting back into it’s place inside the pelvis. The cramps are the uterus contracting down back to size, which is what we want and need in a physiological and healthy postpartum healing.
Most find that these cramps will intensify when baby is first latched at the breast, then each time consecutively until the process is complete. This is because the baby’s saliva comes in contact with the ni**le and ar**la, stimulating prolactin and oxytocin to flow.
This reaction reminds the body, “Baby has been born- it is now time for the uterus to contract back to size!”. We need and want for this to happen! When we go without these contractions, the uterus can become boggy instead of firm. This is where delayed postpartum hemorrhage can ensue.
Most first time mothers will not feel the after birth contractions. Second time mothers often feel them for the first time, after the birth of their second child. Most women will agree that they get progressively stronger and more painful with each consecutive baby.
I like to believe that the increase in pain is because the uterus is an overzealous professional! It knows what it’s doing, and does it more efficiently after each baby. Showing off it’s competency and innate knowing of internal healing!
⚡️How were your after birth, uterine involution contractions?
⚡️Those who had multiple babies, did those contractions get worse with each baby?
⚡️How long did your pains last?
The first latch can also be something women have to navigate.
⚡️How was your first latch with your littles?
⚡️Did you find one child’s nursing journey beginning to be more complicated than another?
