How to Care for Postpartum Bleeding
Postpartum bleeding is a normal part of giving birth, even for women who have had a C-section. Most women experience postpartum bleeding (also called lochia) for a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks after the birth of their babies, but the bleeding can last for 6 to 8 weeks for some individuals. It is important to take care of yourself during this time to avoid infection or postpartum hemorrhage.
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Instructions
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Use a soft, heavy-duty sanitary pad to absorb the flow. Usually, the nurses provide new mothers with very large, absorbent pads while they are in the hospital. Once you come home, a pad designed for overnight use works well.
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Change your pad several times throughout the day to feel more comfortable. If you notice that you need to change your pad more than once each hour, call your doctor immediately. This can be a sign that you are hemorrhaging.
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Limit the amount of time you spend standing or walking, especially in the first 2 weeks after giving birth. This type of activity will stimulate the blood flow.
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Let your spouse, parent or a friend take care of your newborn for blocks of time, so you can rest and regain your strength. Women can become anemic when they lose too much blood after giving birth. Allow your body to heal without overtaxing yourself.
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Expect changes in the lochia over time. The flow will start out red and gradually change to brown, yellow or white in color. Do not become alarmed when this occurs, but be sure to call your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your postpartum bleeding.
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Call your doctor if you develop a fever or chills while you experience postpartum bleeding or if the discharge starts to have a strong, unpleasant odor. You may have an infection that needs to be treated promptly.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use tampons to care for postpartum bleeding or for the first 6 weeks after your baby is born if you do not bleed that long. Tampons have the potential of letting bacteria into your uterus, which can cause an infection.
Do not worry if you pass blood clots in the lochia. This is completely normal as long as they are small (about the size of a grape). Call your doctor if you pass clots that are bigger than a golf ball.
