How long do after pains tend to last with DC2?

[ricepuddingme]

I gave birth on the 23rd to DD2.

I didn't need stitches or anything I just have a little graze but it doesn't hurt to pee anymore and the blood has significantly reduced too. So lucky in all other aspects of recovery.

BUT no one told me about after pains?!?!

How long do these last? 😫😫😫

I had DD2 on 22nd. Still getting afterpains when breastfeeding though mine are bearable. If any worse I'd be reaching for paracetamol and a hot water bottle. Reminds me of the days before I went on the pill and used to get bad period pain.
One good thing is that afterpains are caused by oxytocin so the fact that you are getting them quite strongly means your uterus is likely clearing itself out and undergoing involution getting back to normal faster than it otherwise would have (hence the bleeding much reduced quickly); and also probably helping your milk let down faster when the baby starts each feed.

2-3 days of painkillers desirable in my experience.

Think it was about 4 days for me...

I had 3 bad days and then they disappeared quite fast.

Hideous though. Thought I was back in labour!

Since I posted I have used microwave heat pack low down on abdomen above pubic brim for 2 feeds- pillows on top and careful that DD not in contact- and another stuffed down the back of my jeans (my posture is rubbish and I need to address this).
Afterpains less sore and lower back improved too. Before I started I also used one on the upper outer quadrant of the boob that I couldn't reach with my boob supporting hand (milk really coming in, boobs are busting) and that has helped those knots of milk ducts too.

About a week, though they took my mind off of the pain of breastfeeding. A hot water bottle was more useful than painkillers.