After Pains
These are intermittent contractions that occur for several days as the uterus moves
back into position following birth. They are often at their most noticeable as the
baby begins to breast-feed. While these afterpains may be mild after the birth of
a first child they can become increasingly severe with subsequent births. Acupressure
points include Sanyinjiao SP-6.
Acupressure to Sanyinjiao SP-6 can be can be used at the beginning of a breastfeed
to help reduce the intensity of the contractions. Support people can apply pressure
to both legs as the women begin to breast-feed or if this is not possible the women
can apply pressure just before a feed. Often pressure to this point will have an
almost "magical" effect in helping to lessen the pain associated with these after
pains.