The first few days and weeks after giving birth are filled with so many emotions—joy, relief, and sometimes even a bit of overwhelm. As a homebirth midwife, I’ve walked alongside many women during this beautiful and transformative time. One of the things that often gets overlooked but is incredibly important to address are postpartum afterpains. These uterine contractions, though not always as talked about as labor contractions, can make the early hours and days of motherhood a bit more challenging.
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So, what exactly are postpartum afterpains, and why do they happen? Afterpains are the cramp-like sensations that some women feel after childbirth. They happen as your uterus contracts and shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size, which is quite efficient but can also be very uncomfortable. Many women report that they feel more intense cramping with each subsequent baby- nodding to the efficiency aspect of a uterus that has "done this before".
As a midwife team focused on holistic care, we have seen firsthand how effective these gentle, natural afterpains remedies can be. New moms would do well to plan ahead and have some tools on hand before the birth, but many of these remedies can be used without any extra planning. Let’s dive into some tools that can help ease those afterpains and support your postpartum healing plan.
1. Herbal Teas for Postpartum Healing
Herbal teas are an excellent natural postpartum remedy for soothing afterbirth pain and cramping. Herbs like raspberry leaf, ginger, and chamomile are particularly helpful for promoting relaxation and calming uterine cramping. Raspberry leaf, in particular, is known for its ability to tone and support the uterus, which can be beneficial for reducing afterpains. Or many women continue with their NORA Pregnancy Tea routine- which is still very beneficial for postpartum! A warm cup of tea can also help ease any anxiety or tension that may come with the postpartum recovery process.
2. Heat Therapy for Afterpains Relief
Applying heat to the lower abdomen is a simple yet effective remedy for soothing postpartum afterpains. You can use a heating pad (our favorite far-infared pad HERE), warm compress, or even a rice sock to provide warmth to the area. The heat helps relax the muscles of the uterus and can provide immediate afterbirth pain relief. Just be sure to keep it at a safe temperature for yourself, and avoid pad contact with your baby.
3. AfterEase Herbal Tincture for Postpartum Afterpains Relief
One of my personal favorites for managing postpartum afterpains is AfterEase, an herbal tincture specifically formulated to support women during the postpartum period. This powerful tincture contains a combination of herbs like cramp bark, black haw, and motherwort, all known for their ability to ease cramping and calm the uterus. I’ve seen many women experience relief with just a few drops of this tincture. Not only does it help reduce the intensity of afterpains, but it can also help relax the nervous system and ease any anxiety that might come with postpartum recovery. AfterEase can be taken as needed and is easy to carry with you for quick relief during the early days. Click HERE to add a bottle to your Amazon cart.
4. Homeopathic Remedies for Afterpains Relief
For many women, homeopathic remedies can be a gentle and effective way to manage afterpains. Remedies like Cimicifuga and Magnesia phosphorica are commonly used to address cramping or spasming of the uterus. These remedies are safe, natural options that can help ease the intensity of postpartum afterpains. If you’re unsure which remedy might be right for you, it’s always a good idea to consult with a holistic practitioner or midwife experienced in homeopathy.
5. Proper Rest and Hydration for Postpartum Healing
It might seem simple, but proper rest and hydration are essential to a healthy postpartum recovery. After the physical toll of labor, your body needs time to recover. Drinking enough water, eating nutrient dense foods and resting as much as possible will help your body heal and manage afterpains more effectively. Dehydration can sometimes make cramps feel worse, so make sure you’re sipping on water (and even electrolyte-rich drinks if you feel depleted) throughout the day.
6. Mindful Breathing and Relaxation for Afterpains Relief
Breathing deeply and relaxing your body can actually help ease the intensity of postpartum afterpains. Slow, deep breaths activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body. During an afterpain, try closing your eyes, focusing on your breath, and imagining your uterus gently contracting and releasing. Sometimes, simply allowing your body to relax and release tension can make a big difference in afterpains relief.
7. Magnesium and Trace Minerals for Afterpains Relief
Magnesium is a key mineral for muscle relaxation and can be incredibly helpful for easing postpartum afterpains. After labor, your muscles (including the uterus) are often fatigued and in need of recovery. Magnesium helps your muscles relax and can ease uterine cramping, reducing the intensity of afterpains.
In addition to magnesium, trace minerals such as calcium, potassium, and zinc also play important roles in muscle function and overall postpartum healing. Ensuring you’re getting enough of these essential nutrients can help alleviate discomfort and support your body’s recovery. You can find magnesium and trace minerals in foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and avocados, or you can consider a magnesium supplement or magnesium oil spray for topical use to support your postpartum recovery.
8. Anti-Inflammatory Juice for Postpartum Afterpains Relief
One of our favorite whole-food ways to support postpartum recovery is through anti-inflammatory juices. Ginger, the main ingredient in our recipe, is a powerful anti-inflammatory root known for its ability to reduce cramping and soothe muscle discomfort as effectively as ibuprofen! It’s especially helpful for easing postpartum uterine contractions, and we recommend our homebirth clients keep some on-hand around their birthing time. It supports circulation, reduces swelling, and has natural pain-relieving properties that can help you feel more comfortable as you heal. Drinking this juice regularly can also promote better digestion, which is often helpful after giving birth.
Click HERE for a simple, refreshing anti-inflammatory juice recipe you can easily make at home
Additional Support for a Holistic Postpartum
You can see this entire protocol for Postpartum Afterpain Relief inside our Fullscript account. Signing up only takes a couple minutes and gives you instant access to dozens of natural health protocols and an automatic 25% off professional grade supplements. Click HERE.
Navigating postpartum afterpains can feel overwhelming at times, but knowing what tools you can reach for can make all the difference in avoiding pain medications, if that is your goal for postpartum. Each woman’s postpartum journey is different, so be patient with yourself and allow time for your body to heal.
If you’re looking for more ways to support your postpartum recovery, we’ve created a FREE Postpartum Supplement Checklist to guide you through the healing process. This checklist is filled with natural, holistic options that can complement the remedies I’ve shared here.
If you’re ready to embrace a confident and natural postpartum recovery, sign up today for your free checklist and start your journey to feeling your best!
Wishing you joy, strength, and lots of love as you navigate this beautiful chapter of motherhood.
Although we are licensed midwives by profession, we are not YOUR midwives. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice. For more information, click here.
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