Postpartum bleeding, also known as Lochia is normal. This bleeding after birth can be heavy for the first two days but then subsides.
In the first two days you will probably require pad changes every 3-4 hours. After that, pad changes will be every 6-8 hours. If you have lochia, it is advised to use sanitary pads and napkins instead of tampons, as tampons increase the risk of infection in your healing vagina and uterus.
Lochia will stop about one month after delivery. For some women it can last for 6-8 weeks. According to an article published in the Singapore Family Physician, "After the delivery, the lochia is initially red (lochia rubrum), slowly changing to pale brownish (lochia serosa) and finally to yellowish white (lochia alba)." Lochia rubrum should beginning changing colour about two days postpartum.
If you are not breastfeeding, you can expect your period to resume after 6-8 weeks. If you are breastfeeding, your period will probably resume only after you stop breastfeeding.
When to call the Doctor
Call the doctor if:
Your lochia is still bright red four days after your baby's birth.
Your lochia has a foul odor or you come down with fever.
You are bleeding profusely (saturating a sanitary pad in an hour).
