She wrote:
 I don't know how long they lasted, but as soon as I passed a heap of bloody clots etc they instantly calmed to a tolerable period pain feeling.
 
That's the very reason the afterpains were so severe, your uterus needed to stop the bleeding that was resulting in the clots. It was protecting itself & ultimately you by trying to remain contracted to prevent further loss (blood loss & afterpains are often really severe in precip labours as the uterus is in hyperstimulation mode for labour & then goes into shock or doesn't know when to stop afterwards).
'An empty, contracted uterus doesn't bleed' is one of the first rules of midwifery. Once the debris is cleared the uterus contracts more gently to stay tight & prevent further loss but isn't in panicky overdrive.
Normal after pains & I know they are horrible (I had them after number 2 but not the other 3) usually IMHO respond to:
and this would be the order I'd use them......... a hot, sweet drink, kind words, understanding & company, lower back rub, hot packs, deep breathing, arnica, simple analgesia prior to feeds (timing needed) voltaren  oral/supps, ibuprofen, paracetamol/diene !
 
With kind regards
Brenda Manning
www.themidwife.com.au
 
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