Bleeding after birth, let's chat about it!

*Please note, this is general advice and should not replace the advice of your trusted medical professional.*

I recently wrote a blog for the beautiful Lovekins brand and wanted to share it with you all as well!

If this is your first baby, you might not have expected or know too much about bleeding after birth. Regardless of if you had a cesarean section or a vaginal birth you will experience bleeding during the postnatal period. However, with a C-section, your bleeding may be less and decrease at a quicker rate. 

Here is a bit of information for you Mama:

After birth, it is normal to bleed for up to 4-6 weeks, this bleeding is actually called lochia. The first 3-5 days will be the heaviest, during this time your midwife or OB will monitor your blood loss every day to make sure it looks normal and is slowly lessening. Your bleeding during these first few days is generally bright red and may have some small clots to it. Anything bigger than the size of a 20 cent piece should be shown to your midwife. 

Generally, each day your bleeding will lessen, and go from bright red to pink / brown. After 1-2 weeks, this bleeding is generally very light and is often just spotting. 

It is important after birth, to only use pads, and avoid tampons. 

If at any point, you feel your bleeding is heavier, thicker or worrying or you are feeling dizzy or short of breath, immediately call your health provider and head to the hospital, accompanied by someone. Postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after birth, of more than 500mls in total) occurs in about 5% of all women, this normally occurs during the first 24 hours after birth, however can occur up until 12 weeks postpartum.