In preparation for my daughter’s birth, I read A LOT. It was my goal to be prepared for all things, and yet despite knowing that I would bleed after birth, I was sorely unprepared.
Sometimes called lochia, postpartum bleeding is commonly referred to as a “heavy period.” I figured I had weathered that for years so it shouldn’t be a problem. I stocked up on pads (tampons are a postpartum no-no) and added my comfy period underwear to the drawer that held my nursing tanks. I was ready. The only problem? I had never thought to look up, “How long do you bleed after childbirth?”
Postpartum bleeding happens in both vaginal and cesarean births. It’s completely normal and expected as the body works to remove blood, mucus, and tissue. You can expect postpartum bleeding to last for one to six weeks at varying degrees; heavy at first, then tapering off as time passes.
Here’s the clincher though. Unlike your regular menstrual period that begins with spotting and peaks and then tapers, the volume and length of postpartum bleeding can be tied to your overall healing and activity. Rest more and you’ll experience less bleeding; jump back into normal life too quickly and your body will use bleeding to tell you that it’s best to slow down.
Many subscribe to the idea that mamas ought to stay in bed for the first three days postpartum to really jumpstart their recovery. The only walking you should do should be to the bathroom, and definitely no stairs. Then another three days around bed — up a little more but still focusing on resting and avoiding stairs. And finally, three days at home, slowly returning to regular activities.
I’ll say it again because my midwife said it more than once, “No stairs for three days!” And when you finally do, one at a time with small steps. Your perineum will thank you.
More from Mom.com: I Tried Postpartum Belly Binding and Here’s What Happened
Another tidbit I missed in my initial research was the tie between breastfeeding and the pace of blood loss. With all of my babies, I’ve noticed that my bleeding is closely related to my nursing schedule. Early on, nursing can trigger uterine contractions, also called afterbirth contractions. These contractions work to clear out and heal the uterus from birth debris, therefore you may experience a gush of blood when your baby nurses. This is good and normal. The uterus is doing its job, but my oh my, it isn’t the most pleasant feeling.
The reason behind a slow and methodical recovery allows mamas to bond with their new baby while encouraging their body to direct energy to making milk and healing from the inside out.
I learned the hard way with my second baby. Of course, life was busier with a toddler and newborn, so I gave my recovery a solid three days and then hopped back to it. But I didn’t listen to my body as I should have, and at five weeks postpartum, I passed a golf-ball-size clot in the middle of the night while nursing my son. It sent me into a near panic. I didn’t expect that.
A call to my midwife (and yes, I followed up with a photo text too) assured me that what I was experiencing was within the realm of normal, but it definitely caught me off-guard. I slowed down after that and my body responded well.
Now, clots can happen even if you subscribe to ample rest, up to the size of a lemon, in fact. I’d say it’s all a part of the beauty of birth, even though it’s kind of a pain seeing all we go through during pregnancy and delivery.
Just remember that your medical provider should see you through this season of motherhood, too. Reach out with any and all questions. They’ll guide you on what is normal for your body. If your gut tells you something is too much or too long, advocate for extra care. Your fourth trimester matters just as much, if not more, than the nine months and hours/days giving birth.
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
