Are Contractions and After-Pains Normal?
When breastfeeding after pregnancy you will feel some uterine contractions when your baby begins to nurse. These contractions are also called after-pains. With nipple stimulation, your uterus regains its tone and expels excess blood, so you may also feel a simultaneous gush of blood on your sanitary pad. These contractions are a normal occurrence and help shrink your uterus to the pre-pregnancy pear size. If you are concerned about the strength of the contractions contact your physician immediately.
If this is your second or third child your contractions may feel stronger than previous times. Use similar breathing techniques as you did during pregnancy to help release the discomfort.
After a few weeks these contractions should subside, if they do not contact your physician.
