How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last?

Bleeding is a normal part of postpartum recovery. But most women have no idea how long they bleed, how much they bleed, or what's actually normal. In this blog post, we'll tell you all about postpartum bleeding, also known as bleeding.

You've just given birth, and a period that lasts for weeks is the last thing you want. It seems like too much to handle. But it's part of it (unfortunately) and even completely normal. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about postpartum bleeding, how long it lasts, and how to deal with it.

What is postpartum bleeding?

The blood you leak after giving birth has a name: lochia. And while this flow might resemble a long, drawn-out period, lochia actually contains a mixture of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It can smell a bit musty, like menstrual blood, but if it smells foul or fishy, ​​contact your midwife or doctor. This could be a sign of an infection.

Bleeding can last for a few weeks. It usually starts heavy and gradually lightens until it stops completely. It's a normal part of the healing process after giving birth and is usually not painful or causes any complications.

What does postpartum bleeding look like?

Everyone is different, but generally, lochia resembles a period. It starts as dark or bright red blood and gradually lightens. Eventually, it's just white mucus.

At first, it may feel like a very heavy period. It may also contain clots.

After about a week, the blood will become more pinkish/brown in color, and the flow will become lighter and easier to manage. You may not need to change your pads as often, but make sure you always have enough pads with you.

After about 10 to 14 days, the color of the blood will change, becoming creamy or yellowish. At this point, you can probably switch to a less diaper-like pad, as the flow will be much lighter. For some women, a thin panty liner is even fine at this stage.

What is blood made of?

After you have a baby, your uterus starts with a clean slate. It sheds all the blood, tissue, or other materials from the many weeks of pregnancy. Lochia may look like regular menstrual blood, but it's actually made up of many different things, such as:

• The uterine lining
• Amniotic fluid
• Bacteria and microorganisms
• Cervical mucus
• Retained fetal membranes
• And of course blood!

What's different about menstrual blood?

There are similarities between menstrual bleeding and lochia, and for many women, the bleeding will resemble a period. The main difference is that lochia lasts longer, while your period usually lasts only 5 to 7 days.

How long does bleeding last after delivery?

While it varies from person to person, it can last six weeks or longer. Some women experience bleeding for eight weeks after giving birth. This can feel like an eternity, but remember that it's a normal part of your recovery and will eventually stop.

The Three Stages of Postpartum Bleeding

There are actually three stages of lochia. We suspect that between all those feedings, diaper changes, and interrupted sleep, you might not care much about the three specific stages of your postpartum bleeding, but we're here to help you understand them, so here they are:

Stage 1: Lochia rubra

The first phase is called lochia rubra, and the blood is dark or bright red. This phase lasts about 3 to 5 days and resembles a very heavy period. If your flow is normally very light, this can feel overwhelming, but remember that it's normal. You may also pass small clots and experience mild, period-like cramps.

Stage 2: Lochia serosa

Stage 2 is known as lochia serosa (sounds rather exotic, doesn't it?!). Your discharge will be pinkish-brown and generally less bloody. This still feels like a light period and can last 4 to 12 days. At this stage, you likely no longer have clots.

Stage 3: Lochia alba

The final stage is lochia alba. In this stage, the finish line is in sight, and you'll only experience some yellowish-white discharge. There will likely be no blood or clots. This stage lasts approximately 12 days to six weeks.

When should you call a doctor?

Heavy bleeding in the first few days after giving birth can seem alarming, but remember this is normal. It should become lighter and more manageable each day, but if you continue to experience heavy bleeding that changes or worsens, talk to your midwife or doctor.

Also call a doctor if you have this:

• Foul-smelling blood or discharge that smells fishy or foul
• Fever of 38 degrees or higher
• A very sensitive feeling on one or both sides of your abdomen
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Fast heartbeat
• If you have really large clots or a lot of them (anything larger than your fist is considered a large clot), this could mean your uterus is having trouble shrinking.

Don't wait it out. If you're really not feeling well, go to your doctor right away.

How do you collect the blood?

Even if you're an avid tampon or menstrual cup user, you should stick to sanitary pads or period underwear for the first six weeks after giving birth.

Because tampons or other products you insert can cause an infection, as much as you may find them annoying, you'll want to reach for pads that are about the same thickness as your baby's diapers!

Most women absorb the blood with a large sanitary pad or special maternity pad—you'll probably still change these every 2 to 3 hours! These pads aren't very sexy, but they work well. And honestly, in the first few days after giving birth, you shouldn't have to worry about whether you're sexy or not.

How do you take care of yourself after giving birth?

Eat a healthy diet (lots of fruits and vegetables) and consider taking a supplement to replenish your vitamin stores lost during labor.

Ensuring a good balance of the right vitamins and minerals also helps to get your natural cycle going again faster.

Try to stock up on iron-rich foods like meat and green leafy vegetables, or take an iron supplement. Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, and contributes to healthy brain development in children (if you're breastfeeding).

DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is also good to add to your diet . Good sources include salmon, sardines, eggs, and dairy. You can also find DHA in high-quality supplements. DHA is an important building block for the brain, and when consumed by the mother, it is an important building block for the brains of the fetus and breastfed infants. It also contributes to normal visual development in infants.

Back to normal?

After giving birth, everything can feel chaotic and overwhelming, but over time, you'll find a new rhythm and routine with your baby. Make sure you get through the first few weeks and don't be too hard on yourself.

Give yourself time to adjust and try not to have unrealistic expectations about your life or your body. Remove the phrase "back to normal" from your vocabulary. It takes time to adjust to the changes in your body and mind after having a baby.

Just had a baby? Congratulations! If you need help with your postpartum period, have questions about your body or mind, or about our products, chat with us and we'll help you with lots of knowledge and love.