Afterpains

Afterpains are cramp-like pains, similar to period pains or labour contractions, that you may experience in the first few days after your baby is born. Afterpains are caused by contractions of the uterus as it shrinks back to almost its pre-pregnancy size. Afterpains tend to be stronger after second or subsequent births and they often feel stronger during breastfeeding because the hormone oxytocin that is produced during breastfeeding also causes contractions.