Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! Now, let's talk about postpartum bleeding and how you can put the brakes on it faster.
Get ready to learn more about postpartum bleeding! As a mum with a cute little newborn to take care of, you deserve to recover and feel your best with effective home remedies. Believe it or not, all women experience postpartum bleeding after giving birth and sometimes it lasts several months. We’re here to uncover how to stop postpartum bleeding faster.
Before we explore management tips for postpartum bleeding, it helps to understand the condition. After giving birth, postpartum bleeding (also called lochia) is very common. Lochia is your body’s way of shedding the uterine wall and other elements that are not needed after birth. The discharge itself consists of the blood, cells, mucus and retained placenta tissue from the womb once your baby has been born. It is a normal process which may last for up to six weeks postpartum.
1. Lochia rubra:
Blood and shreds of foetal membranes flow out of the uterus. The fluid is generally quite red and may last for between 3-5 days following birth. You’ll probably change your maternity pad quite often.
2. Lochia serosa:
The lochia has thinned out and turned brownish or pink. Made up of predominantly red blood cells, cervical mucus and microorganisms, you’ll see it for around 5-10 days following birth.
3. Lochia alba:
Whitish or creamy-yellow, it typically lasts from 2-6 weeks after delivery. It contains fewer red blood cells and more white blood cells, tissue, mucus and again, microorganisms.
Regardless of whether you had a vaginal delivery or caesarean section (c-section), you'll still probably experience postpartum bleeding. Breastfeeding can sometimes make the bleeding redder or heavier too — it’s a hormone thing.
If you’re wondering how to stop lochia bleeding (postpartum bleeding), we have put together a list of remedies to try at home. However, we do recommend consulting a healthcare professional for further guidance.
While it's natural and common, postpartum bleeding can be heavy and uncomfortable. It's important to manage it properly to avoid any discomfort or infections. Here are some tips on how to manage postpartum bleeding.
Regular pads may not be enough to absorb the heavy flow, so it's important to use maternity pads. These pads are designed to be thicker and more absorbent to cope with the heavier flow. Lil-Lets Maternity Pads are specifically designed to use after pregnancy. They are super soft, comfortable and provide extra protection to keep you feeling confident.
Change your pad frequently, at least every 3-4 hours, to avoid any odours or infection. If you notice any unusual smells or discharge, speak to your healthcare provider. For the first few days and weeks, when the bleeding is at its heaviest, it’s probably best to use maternity maxi pads as they are specially designed to absorb very heavy bleeding. As your flow becomes lighter, you may want to move to using regular tampons or pads.
To keep your intimate area clean, you can use maternity wipes. Lil-Lets Intimate Wipes are specially formulated for postpartum care. Be sure to carry them in your handbag and use them when needed. They’re a great item to have on the go. We also recommend packing some wipes in your maternity hospital bag.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as oxytocin or prostaglandins, to help reduce postpartum bleeding and promote uterine contractions. Remember to take them as prescribed and reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
When it comes to postpartum bleeding, many people seek natural remedies to complement their healing process. While it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new remedies, there are several natural options to help stop the bleeding faster. Here are some of our suggestions to try at home.
Postpartum recovery is a journey and rest plays a crucial role in healing and managing postpartum bleeding. Listen to your body and prioritise self-care by getting ample rest and sleep. Avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects, as this can put unnecessary strain on your body and potentially worsen the bleeding.
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can support your body's healing process and help manage postpartum bleeding. Include foods high in iron, such as leafy greens, lean meats, and legumes, to replenish iron stores depleted during childbirth. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential for optimal recovery.
Engaging in gentle exercises, as advised by your healthcare provider, can help improve blood circulation, strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, and promote healing. Start with low-impact activities like walking or postpartum-specific exercises to gradually regain strength and support your overall recovery.
A gentle abdominal massage can aid in controlling and reducing postpartum bleeding by stimulating the uterine muscles to contract. This may help prevent excessive bleeding and support a quicker recovery.
Compression garments, like abdominal binders or compression underwear, can provide support to your abdominal muscles and uterus, helping to control postpartum bleeding. These garments offer gentle compression, which can aid in reducing swelling and promoting healing. Make sure to choose comfortable and well-fitting compression wear to ensure maximum effectiveness.
It’s important to keep an eye on your blood loss in the weeks after giving birth. At this time, you are at risk of postpartum haemorrhage — abnormal or heavy bleeding between 24 hours and 12 weeks after giving birth. Postpartum women who experienced a uterine rupture are more likely to experience this.
Postpartum haemorrhage is a serious concern for many new mums, but there are natural measures you can take to reduce the risk. First and foremost, maintaining good prenatal care and staying healthy during pregnancy is crucial. In serious cases with large clots, you may require a blood transfusion.
To prevent postpartum haemorrhage you should:
It's super important to manage postpartum bleeding properly to avoid discomfort or infections. It’s recommended that you don't use tampons in the weeks after childbirth. Wait until after your 6 weeks postpartum check and for your postpartum menstrual period to start again.
Nobody can ever fully prepare you for how messy birth and its aftermath is, but knowing that you’ll have postpartum bleeding is an important part of preparing for your life post-birth. It’s perfectly normal, but if you bleed for longer than usual, pass a lot of blood clots or if you aren’t feeling well, don’t hesitate to consult a nurse or your GP.
Postpartum bleeding typically stops 6 weeks after giving birth. However, it varies for each individual. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the duration or intensity of postpartum bleeding.
Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, can last around 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth. However, it's important to note that the duration may vary for each individual, and it's normal to experience light spotting or intermittent bleeding during this time.
It is normal and common for postpartum bleeding to stop and start intermittently. The flow may decrease and then increase again, or there may be periods of no bleeding followed by episodes of bleeding. This pattern is usually a part of the normal healing process.
Sometimes postpartum bleeding is heavier when you breastfeed. When breastfeeding, the uterus is more likely to contract due to the build-up of hormones in your body. This is a common cause of more bleeding and cramps.
You cannot necessarily prevent postpartum haemorrhage, but there are ways to reduce the risk factors. Make sure you are getting adequate prenatal care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and attending regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
