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POSTPARTUM 101

We take your recovery and healing very seriously and therefore we want to share some important information on what your postpartum bleeding (Lochia) experience will look like. Let's dive into what's normal, what isn’t and when to call your doctor.

If you have had a vaginal delivery or a Cesarean section, you will experience vaginal bleeding and discharge after birth. This is also called Lochia. This is how your body gets rid of the extra blood and tissue in your uterus that helped your baby grow!

What's Normal Postpartum Bleeding?

Normal postpartum bleeding resembles a heavy period at first and it may have a similar scent to what your period blood has. Over time this will gradually change as the days and weeks go by.

Here is a simple breakdown of what your bleeding may look like over time::

  • 0 to 5 days after birth: Postpartum bleeding is dark red, heavy and may contain some clots (no bigger than the size of a plum).
  • 5 to 10 days after birth: Lochia may be pinkish or brownish and thinner than it was before. You may still experience a few small clots earlier during this time.
  • 10 days after birth until up to 6 weeks postpartum:
    The discharge becomes whitish or yellowish and eventually tapers off. No more clots should appear.

    • You might notice that you have more postpartum bleeding when you’ve been active, or when you’re breastfeeding. It also might be a little heavier at certain times of day, like in the morning.

    When to Call the Doctor About Postpartum Bleeding

    Keep an eye on your postpartum bleeding because changes in it could signal a problem. Call your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms, including:

  • Large clots: If your clots are larger than plum-sized, your doctor will want to watch you closely.
  • Foul smell: If the discharge doesn’t smell quite right, it could signal an infection.
  • Severe pain or fever: These are also signs of infection, and you’d need treatment ASAP.
  • Heavy bleeding: If your postpartum bleeding increases, doesn’t lessen over time or soaks through a pair of Mumdies per hour, it could be a sign of a problem with the uterus, a bleeding disorder or late postpartum hemorrhage - all of which would need to be treated by a doctor right away.

    • Additional Mumdies Tips & Suggestions

    Rest and recover! You have just been through a lot! Spend as much time as you can bonding, snuggling, learning to breastfeed in bed with your new family member. The days are long but the years are short.

    If you do too much too soon you do increase the risk of heavy bleeding and slowing down your healing
    Pee often, even when your bladder does not feel full. An empty bladder helps your uterus to contract.