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Lochia: What is it?

peacefulpeaksparen

A lady postpartum, relaxing during her lochia flow in some long grass, with flowers laying on her chest.

Lochia is something that many women have never heard of, even if they're expecting a baby. Being armed with information, knowing what to expect, can help you to transition into this postpartum period without any surprises.


What is Lochia?

Lochia is bleeding that occurs after giving birth. All women who have a baby will have lochia, regardless of the type of birth they have, vaginal or caesarean. It is the combination of uterine cells, mucus, and blood. It flows as a result of the uterus contracting down, closing any remaining blood vessels and any cells it no longer needs, to get down to it's pre- pregnancy size.


The Stages of Lochia

There are three stages to lochia:


Stage one- Lochia rubra

  • 1-4 days

  • Bright red

  • Heavy flow


Stage two- Lochia serosa

  • Up to approximate day 10 postpartum

  • Thinner, brownish or pinkish

  • Lighter flow


Stage three- Lochia alba

  • Week 2- 6 postpartum

  • Whitish or yellowish- white

  • Very light flow


What to look out for

  1. Heavy or bright red bleeding a week after giving birth, or even if the flow increases after it had begun to decrease (please note, if you are breastfeeding, due to the increased oxytocin, your flow may be a little heavier

  2. Foul smells (lochia shouldn't smell any different to your menstrual blood)

  3. greenish colour

  4. large clots (golf ball size or bigger)

  5. If you feel dizzy/ faint/ confused/ weak

  6. Signs of a fever

  7. Pale/ clammy skin

  8. Rapid heart rate

  9. Severe pain


If you notice any of the above or you aren't sure about anything, please go and see your GP or talk to your midwife.

A maternity pad with red roses laying on it with white baby's breath circling it

How to cope with lochia?


Lochia isn't too dissimilar from having a period so you can draw on this when trying to cope with lochia. During the postpartum period, it is, in some cultures, a time to rest, where the woman doesn't really have to do anything for the first 40 days after giving birth- How I wish this was the norm in the UK!

  • You'll need pads (you can get maternity pads or use night- time pads, reusable or disposable are fine), and plenty of them for the first few days at least, while your flow is heavier.

  • Rest! Take this time to allow your body to heal- it is still working hard! Allow yourself to snuggle in bed with your baby, hibernate.

  • Eat nourishing food and stay hydrated, especially rich in Iron and Vitamin K (to help with blood clotting)

  • Keep clean. Of course, good hygiene is a given but during this time of hibernation, it can be difficult to muster up the motivation to go and have a bath or shower. Keeping up with good hygiene can reduce the risk of any infections. Just make sure if you have a bath, it isn't HOT, and that any scars are healed first!

  • Wear loose clothing. You'll probably be doing this anyway. Get comfy!

  • Get some granny pants. You know what I'm talking about, those full briefs you by- pass in the knicker section. Oh. My. Word. How they're so comfy and good for keeping those pads in place.

  • Practice mindfulness. Of course I mention this here. The postpartum period can be a time of complete change, never mind having to tend to prolonged bleeding. There are plenty of quick guided meditations out there to foster compassion and kindness to ourselves :)


A newly postpartum mum holding her baby in her arms smiling. The mum is wearing maternity underwear in a nude colour

All in all, be kind to yourself. Your body is still working incredibly hard to heal itself. This can take up to 2years! Take the time to snuggle down with baby, enjoy this time. You will never get it back.


Peace and love

Amy

xx

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