Afterpains are uterine cramps that a woman experiences after giving birth, especially during breastfeeding.
Afterpains are caused by the release of oxytocin hormone during breastfeeding, which helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.
These cramps can feel like menstrual cramps and may be more intense for women who have given birth to multiple children or who have had a longer labor.
Pain medications like ibuprofen can help alleviate the discomfort caused by afterpains.