Everything you need to know about postpartum bleeding

After giving birth, new mothers experience heavy bleeding that can last up to six to eight weeks. This is another postpartum challenge that corresponds to the expulsion of blood and mucous membranes necessary for the baby's development. This bleeding, called lochia, can be impressive and can significantly weaken the new mother—in addition to the fatigue felt during this period. What is this bleeding, how to manage it, and when should you be concerned? As a concept store dedicated to women's intimate care, we answer all your questions about postpartum bleeding.

What is postpartum bleeding?

Following childbirth, all women experience postpartum vaginal bleeding, also known as lochia, regardless of whether they had a vaginal or cesarean delivery.

This bleeding is necessary for the body to get back on track after childbirth. It corresponds to the expulsion of blood and mucous membranes that have developed within the uterus to support the development of the embryo and then the fetus.

The different stages of postpartum bleeding

In the first few days after delivery, postpartum bleeding is very heavy—often much heavier than your period. The blood is bright red, and you may lose small clots of blackish or reddish material—pieces of the endometrium that have sloughed off. This period of heavy bleeding can last up to 10 days.

Afterwards, the bleeding subsides. In this second period, which lasts between 4 and 6 weeks, the lochia turns pinkish-brown and, towards the end, off-white/yellowish.

And because nature isn't very kind to menstruating people, they usually stop around the time your period starts again... That's the return of menstruation.

This entire period is called “postpartum.”

How long does postpartum bleeding last?

Depending on the person who menstruates, postpartum bleeding lasts between 4 and 8 weeks after giving birth. It most often stops when menstruation returns and the first period occurs.

How can we explain the variation in the flow of postpartum bleeding?

As you may notice, your postpartum bleeding may change over the course of the 4 to 8 weeks it lasts. This can be for a variety of reasons:

• In the first days after delivery, it is very abundant;

• In the morning, when you get up, it can be very heavy. Just like during your period, the blood stagnates when you are lying down and flows when you sit down and then stand up;

• Exercising can affect your flow. If you return to exercise soon after giving birth, you'll have a chance to notice this;

• Breastfeeding can increase the rate of postpartum bleeding due to the production of oxytocin.

The role of breastfeeding in postpartum bleeding

If you've chosen to breastfeed, your lochia may be both heavier and shorter. This is because oxytocin, the hormone responsible for milk release, is also responsible for uterine contractions. When it increases in your body, it causes your uterus to contract more frequently, and it may empty more quickly.

How to manage postpartum bleeding?

The postpartum period naturally brings fatigue and stress: learning to manage the newborn, giving space to the second parent, accepting or rejecting your family at the maternity ward, and so on! Managing lochia and, more broadly, the bodily changes and pain that follow childbirth can be complicated. Here are our tips for managing postpartum bleeding.

Ban tampons and menstrual cups

To stop the flow of lochia, it's best not to use tampons or menstrual cups. It's essential to let your body recover. You're still fragile, and they can introduce bacteria into your vagina and cause infections. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a cesarean section, you should avoid all internal menstrual protection for the first 6 weeks after giving birth.

Adopting postpartum diapers after giving birth

To protect yourself from heavy bleeding, whether you are still in the maternity ward or have just returned home, we can only urge you to choose external protection, either towels or disposable panties.

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How to choose your postpartum panties? In the days following delivery, we prefer disposable, high-waisted, loose-fitting panties. They'll be extremely comfortable, won't rub against your scar, and can be torn off if you want to avoid postpartum acrobatics.

Then opt for control period panties

Later, when the bleeding becomes less severe and you're slowly getting used to a new lifestyle with the baby, you might consider switching to another type of protection. Either your own period pants if you have them, or high-waisted pants equipped with absorbent disposable or cloth pads. Shapewear is recommended postpartum to help the body recover more quickly from pregnancy and childbirth.

Taking care of your postpartum body

Generally speaking, throughout the lochia period, we can only recommend that you take care of your body. Indeed, the body and childbirth don't mix well; your body has certainly emerged from pregnancy and childbirth in shock. Not to mention the exhausting postpartum period.

Among the postpartum care :

• Impeccable personal and especially intimate hygiene: it's not always easy to find time for a shower with a newborn, and yet, it's what will allow you to feel fresh and good, while preventing bacteria and infections from developing;

• Iron supplementation and dietary supplements, if necessary: ​​Like heavy periods, heavy lochia can contribute to a weakened body, particularly in iron. It may therefore be beneficial to take supplements. Your doctor can prescribe these types of supplements.

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation: The pelvic floor is a muscle that is particularly stressed during pregnancy and childbirth. Pelvic floor rehabilitation may be necessary for your health (to prevent organ prolapse) and for your intimate comfort.

When to worry about postpartum bleeding?

While postpartum bleeding is normal and even necessary for your good health, you should still monitor it and pay attention to certain things. Certain signs should alert you because they can be symptoms of a more or less serious health problem. If in doubt, talk to your doctor, gynecologist, or midwife: don't worry about disturbing anyone; it's better to ask questions than to dwell on your worries. Your health is as important as your baby's ❤️.

Signs that everything is okay

Signs that everything is okay and your body is going through its normal healing/repair process are:

• A gradual reduction in your lochia;

• A gradual lightening of your lochia.

The more ambiguous symptoms

Certain symptoms should raise red flags. For example, if you notice that your blood is suddenly brighter in color, more abundant, or contains large clots, it's important to seek medical help. Similarly, if you have a fever or foul-smelling discharge, this could be a sign of infection: seek medical help.

The rare risk of postpartum hemorrhage

The most serious risk, along with postpartum bleeding, is postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common maternal complication of childbirth and occurs in 5 to 10% of deliveries in France. This excessive bleeding can be life-threatening; it is even the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.

When does the risk of postpartum hemorrhage occur?

The highest risk of developing postpartum hemorrhage is after delivery. It most often occurs within 48 hours of giving birth, while you're still in the maternity ward. However, this risk can still occur up to 12 weeks after delivery, so you'll need to remain vigilant until the lochia period has ended.

Symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage

Signs of postpartum hemorrhage include:

• Uncontrolled vaginal bleeding: very heavy, it may require changing several pads per hour;

• The presence of large blood clots: When the blood clots are larger than a plum, you should be concerned;

• Vaginal or perineal swelling and/or pain

What are the signs of life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage?

The above symptoms are a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, while the following may indicate that it is a significant hemorrhage that is life-threatening:

• Blurred vision

• Increased heart rate

• Chills

• Nausea

• The feeling of fainting

If you have one (or more) of these symptoms in addition to significant vaginal bleeding, call 15 directly.

Who are the people most at risk?

The risk of postpartum hemorrhage is higher in people who have already had hemorrhage during a previous delivery, as well as in those who have had a cesarean section or a multiple birth (twins, triplets). Certain conditions are also more likely to cause postpartum hemorrhage: generally, your healthcare professional will warn you of the risk and the things to watch for, but you can also ask if you have any of these risk factors.