Description: Are you worried about bleeding post-delivery of the baby? Not Sure What to do and to deal with it? Read the article to understand the bleeding process, postpartum pads to buy at each stage for the initial six weeks and other intricacies associated with it.
Postpartum Bleeding: Everything You Should Know About It?
Did you deliver a baby a day ago and now worried about the intense bleeding you are going through? Most first-time mothers are not aware of the best post birth pads and their usage. While to-be parents are busy packing their hospital bags for the baby, they often forget to include one of the critical essentials, i.e., “postpartum pads.” As a mother, you must recover from birth and take special care of yourself too. Learn more about postpartum pads for mom, tips for buying them, and why to use them in the subsequent article.
While during the last days of pregnancy and even after the birth, the focus is on the newborn child, as a mother, you need to keep yourself aware of nuances of vaginal bleeding post-baby is born. Regardless of the type of delivery (C-Section, vaginal, medicated), it is mandatory. It is primarily a vaginal discharge and bleeding. Are you wondering from where this blood comes in, which is discharged for almost 6 weeks? Once you deliver a baby, the body is in recovery mode, especially the uterus, which is trying to heal due to the placenta detachment, and the blood is from this wound. It is during this phase that the postpartum blood pads come to your rescue.
At first, expect the bleeding to be very heavy and red. However, the amount of blood will gradually reduce over the following days and weeks and change color over time.
Phases of Postpartum Bleeding and Postpartum Pads Recommendations
Women going through Lochia face three stages (Lochia rubra, Lochia serosa, Lochia alba). Are you wondering what pads to use postpartum? Read on further to get to know this in-depth.
Lochia rubra (Week 1) – This is the first phase, usually staying for a week. Bleeding during these times is very heavy, and blood is of thick red color. It is these times; you need to change postpartum pads to maintain vaginal hygiene frequently. Since these are initial days, use soft and non-bulky postpartum pads, which make you comfortable. Keep approximately 30 postpartum pads for this phase so that you don’t have to run around. Also, keep 6-7 overnight postpartum pads for extra flow during nights.
Lochia serosa (Week 2 - Week 3) – As you go ahead towards a healing way, the blood starts thinning, and so the color becomes brown. You may begin using regular-sized postpartum pads this week during the daytime and large-sized pads for extra flow during the night.
Lochia alba (Week 3 - Week 6) – ` Yes, you are now in the final stage of healing your uterus. The vaginal discharge usually turns whitish or creamy yellow. It is generally devoid of red blood cells. Simple panty liners should suffice during this time. You may skip postpartum soothing pads during this phase. Sometimes you may go through blood clots, but this is normal. Stay calm and keep twenty to twenty-five individually wrapped panty liners in your bag.
Key Tips and Tricks for Postpartum Bleeding and Recovery
● Initial days could be heavy bleeding, and if it increases beyond a point, it is advisable to take rest as your body is requesting you to “slow down.”
● Keep changing the postpartum pads every hour for hygiene.
● Avoid unscented postpartum pads or panty liners.
● Keep a check on your postpartum pads if some unwanted smell comes from the vagina discharge, which might indicate an infection.
● Tampons, menstrual cups are not the replacement for postpartum pads because they might initiate infection.
Is Postpartum Bleeding like Having Regular Menstrual Period?
Lochia or Postpartum Bleeding might look like your period initially, but it is not. The initial few days are difficult with a heavy blood flow than your regular menstruation, as you read above. Moreover, during this time, cramps are more, and your gynecologist might not even advise you to take medicine given you are already nursing your baby.
Postpartum Pads vs. Regular Pads: Do You need special Postpartum Pads?
Yes, you do!! Bleeding is often heavier than regular pads, and hence it is always recommended to use specialized postpartum pads instead of standard sanitary pads. You will be surprised to know that these postpartum pads will keep you comfortable so that you can happily take care of your newborn with love and without getting edgy.
Types of Postpartum Pads
While you are shopping for your postpartum pads, you will realize there are multiple types of postpartum pads available in the market. You may opt for jazzy organic environment-friendly pads, which are long, comfortable, and breathable. They are usually chlorine and plastic-free. But they are slightly expensive. Some companies have also come up with the concept of postpartum pads underwear as well. In case you are comfortable, you can explore them too.
Another alternate for you is cloth postpartum pads. However, they are less socially acceptable, given you need to wash them, which gets added as an overhead to your already existing chores.
Times When You Need Immediate Gynecologist Advice
In case you face the following symptoms during the bleeding process, do speak to your gynecologist to avoid further complications, as they might be a sign of infection which is not advisable for you and your baby.
● Feeling feverish, and the temperature is higher than normal.
● Cramps are getting worse.
● Bleeding is foul-smelling, and you are feeling pukish.
● The vagina is paining.
● You are feeling tired very often, or some dizziness is hitting you.
Just summarizing for your convenience, do include sufficient and quality postpartum pads in your hospital bag even before you deliver so that you can focus more heartily and gregariously on your newborn baby. In case you are going through any abnormality during your postpartum bleeding, do consult with a doctor timely. Personal hygiene is of utmost priority during this phase; hence do not hesitate to change postpartum pads time and again. How did you handle your postpartum bleeding? What are your favorite postpartum pads? Do share in the comments some of your tips and likings.
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