Afterpains: The Cramping No One Tells You AboutOnce your baby is born, you expect relief from contractions, but for many women, another round of cramps begins. These are afterpains, the uterus’s natural way of shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. Though short-lived, they can feel intense, especially during breastfeeding. Understanding why they happen, how long they last, and what helps can make the early postpartum days less alarming.