Lochia
Bleeding in the postpartum period is normal. Heavy bleeding after a baby is born is also generally normal; this is lochia.
This unusual name refers to the bleeding, more or less heavy, that a woman experiences after giving birth, once she leaves the maternity ward. From the Ancient Greek lokheia for childbirth, lochia mark the first days of the postpartum period, that very special time in a new mother’s life.
With hemorrhoids, urinary leakage, healing after an episiotomy or C‑section, various types of pain, fatigue, emotional strain (baby blues or, in more severe cases, postpartum depression), fluctuating hormones, the postpartum period can be a difficult time for new mothers.
This normal bleeding helps expel remaining mucous tissue and lymphatic secretions, among other things, from the vagina that could not be eliminated at the time of birth.
In short, lochia complete the cleansing of the vagina after your baby’s birth by expelling all remaining placental tissue, among other things. How do you manage lochia and what should you use to absorb them? Which postpartum panties should you choose? Discover everything you need to know about this very specific type of bleeding.
In this article
Become an expert on lochia
A quick Q&A is the best way to give you all the information you need about postpartum bleeding.
When does lochia start?
Lochia appears after childbirth. Uterine contractions, known as afterpains, help expel the lochia from the vagina. After giving birth, the new mother therefore experiences somewhat unpleasant contractions similar to menstrual cramps.
What do lochia look like? What should I expect?
A new mom loses around 500 ml of blood after giving birth. Lochia are therefore similar to a period, but much more intense and abundant, especially in the first few days after delivery. It’s also very common to see blood clots.
How long do lochia last?
Lochia lasts from a few days to several weeks. On average, this type of vaginal discharge continues for about twenty days, the time it takes for the uterine lining to heal.
What are the different types of lochia?
Bright red and heavy in the first few days, lochia are more abundant than a regular period and contain clots of varying sizes. Then the discharge tends to decrease and calm down. The light bleeding becomes less intense and less heavy. From red, lochia turn pink or brown. Finally, after several more days of on-and-off discharge, they may become lighter in color (yellow or white).
Do lochia occur after both a C-section and a vaginal birth?
Yes, lochia occurs after both vaginal birth and a caesarean. Good to know: lochia is usually lighter after a caesarean than after a vaginal delivery.
When should I start worrying?
If you notice you have a fever, feel quite intense pain in your belly, legs or head, make an appointment with your gynaecologist or midwife! Likewise, if your vaginal discharge suddenly becomes very, very heavy (when it should actually be decreasing), or if you see one or more large blood clots or notice a strong odour on your post-partum protection, consult your doctor or another healthcare professional!
High-quality postpartum protection to manage lochia
Absorbent, soft maternity pads that care for a mother’s intimate area are a priority that needs to be planned ahead!
Postpartum underwear: an essential intimate protection
New moms in the middle of pelvic floor and abdominal rehab will be delighted to rely on high‑quality absorbent underwear that’s well cut, comfortable, organic, and soft.
Along with maternity pads and postpartum pull‑up diapers, postpartum period panties are a little essential that can really make everyday life easier.
Absorbent panties are an excellent idea for intimate postpartum protection for new moms!
Economical, eco-friendly, comfortable, absorbent, leakproof, reliable, soft and pleasant to wear – postpartum underwear really has it all, so don’t hesitate any longer!
Post-pregnancy underwear for lochia, and more besides
Lochia, but also a small return of your period, urinary leaks or full return of your period – mums go through several phases of bleeding and different kinds of discharge in the weeks and months following childbirth.
So investing in suitable post-birth underwear and high-quality postnatal panties is a wonderful idea. Period panties can be incredibly useful in many different situations!
Standard period panties can indeed absorb and hold vaginal bleeding, but also light urinary leaks (common when the pelvic floor is weakened).
Reusable, long-lasting and washable, postpartum panties really should be on every baby registry list! Once the postpartum period and breastfeeding are over, mum can of course keep using this menstrual underwear to manage her periods, once her hormonal and menstrual cycles have settled again.
Good to know: your first periods after giving birth may be irregular and/or very heavy.
Louloucup’s post-partum collection: ultra-absorbent, comfortable panties
Looking for absorbent protection in well-cut organic cotton certified to the Oeko-Tex standard, available in many different sizes? Louloucup has you covered with a range of plus-size period panties (so you can embrace your pregnancy weight without guilt!) as well as a beautiful range of postpartum panties!
High‑waisted cuts, extended absorbent zones, strength and reliability—our postpartum panties are absolute must‑haves.
Our favourites for a dry, odour‑free, stress‑free and serene postpartum:
As well as being extremely absorbent (with a capacity equivalent to 5 sanitary tampons), these three models are available from size XS up to 2XL, 3XL, 4XL and 5XL.
They provide welcome leak protection on days with heavy vaginal discharge. They’re also great for light urinary leaks. Once your lochia have finally ended (hooray!) and your period has returned, these postpartum panties will make perfect regular period panties you can reuse every month!
And if you feel like taking a dip, don’t forget our postpartum menstrual swimsuits. They’ll help you get back to the pool with total confidence!
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