Postpartum Bleeding: What You Need to Know

Lochia, as it’s called, is your body’s way of shedding the lining of your uterus. The discharge itself is the blood, cells, mucus and tissues shedding from the womb once your baby has been born.

Sort of, except it’s much heavier, especially in the beginning. It might also be a slightly different colour. Expect to see the flow start off bright red, turn pinkish-brown, and finally, become creamy or off-white. Breastfeeding can sometimes make the bleeding redder or heavier — it’s a hormone thing.

Lochia has three stages. They are:

• Lochia rubra. Comprised of blood and shreds of foetal membranes, it’s generally quite red and may last for between three to five days following birth. You’ll probably change your pad quite often.
• Lochia serosa. The lochia has thinned out and turned brownish or pink. Made up of predominantly red blood cells, cervical mucus and micro-organisms, you’ll see it for around 5-10 days following birth.
• Lochia alba. Whitish or creamy-yellow, it typically lasts from two to six weeks after delivery. It contains fewer red blood cells and more white blood cells, tissue, mucus and again, micro-organisms.

Every person is different, but you can expect to bleed for between two to six weeks.

It’s recommended that you don't use tampons in the weeks after childbirth. Wait until after your six-week check and your post partum periods start again before using tampons.