Afterpains

Afterpains

Your uterus starts contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size after your baby is born. It’s normal to feel period-type pains, or quite painful twinges or tummy cramps. This is especially common if it’s not your first baby. Breastfeeding also makes the uterus contract, so you may get tummy pain while you’re feeding. This is due to the release of oxytocin when your baby feeds. A full bladder makes the pain worse, so try to wee regularly, and make sure you wee before breastfeeding.