Pain after childbirth

Let’s talk cramping and abdominal pain after childbirth.

Triggered by the release of oxytocin, these painful uterine contractions, dubbed “afterpains”, catch many mothers by surprise in the first few days postpartum.

This is your body’s innate wisdom hard at work, the uterus on its slow and steady return to pre-pregnancy size.

Here are a few tips for managing afterpains:

〰️ Heat on the low abdomen: a heating pad, warm washcloth soaked in lavender oil and topical magnesium have all been shown to have an analgesic effect. For those recovering from a cesarean birth, take caution when applying anything to the low abdomen until the incision has fully healed to avoid risk of infection.

〰️ Stay well hydrated: adding electrolytes to your water will encourage mineral balance which in turn promotes muscle tone.

〰️ Sip red raspberry leaf tea which contains fragrine, an alkaloid known for promoting muscle tone.

〰️ Magnesium: can be taken internally, absorbed transdermally in the bath, and applied topically to help relax the muscles of the low abdomen.

How did you find relief? Share your tips below ⬇️