I have been wondering for a while now so I thought I would ask.

When DD was born it was a lovely water birth, contractions no worse than period pain and the birth itself was painless (incredible pressure, but no pain).

I got out of the bath because DD was getting cold and about 20 minutes later the placenta came out with a tiny push.

Then the midwife pushed on my tummy really hard. I wasn't expecting it and it was so painful that I yelled out (after a silent birth!) and couldn't help trying to pry her hands off me. Does anyone know what she was doing and why?