Deal With Postnatal Bleeding

Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 15:47

Postpartum bleeding is normal after delivery and the woman has heavy flow of bright red blood for few days irrespective of the surgery. Be it a normal delivery or a cesarean delivery, the new mother has to face the postpartum bleeding also known as lochia discharge for 2-3 weeks minimum after the delivery.

Postnatal bleeding can be dangerous so the mother should take care of her health to avoid infections or postpartum hemorrhage. For the first 1-2 days, hospital grade pad is provided to the woman and after it starts reducing commercial pads are given.

Lochia color becomes pink after 10-12 days of bleeding and then changes to yellowish-white color. The flow can be constant or in small thick blood clots.

How to deal with postnatal bleeding after birth?

Postpartum bleeding can't be controlled as it is natural and doctors recommend it as the flow s cleans the re-productive system of the mother. Here are few ways deal with bleeding after birth:

Take rest as the body needs to settle down after the delivery which weakens the woman. Don't walk or stand for a long time. For 15-20 days take rest and gradually start working. There are women who start walking within 10 days but it is not safe as it stimulates the blood flow. So it is advisable to take rest for at least 2 weeks.

During postnatal bleeding use soft, heavy duty sanitary napkin to soak the blood. Hospital nurses provide napkins for first few days to the new mothers but after the flow reduces, commercial napkins can be used. Change the napkin at intervals to keep the region clean. If you change every hour due to heavy lochia discharge, then consult your doctor as it might be hemorrhage.

If you suffer from fever or chills during postpartum bleeding. Also unpleasant odor needs attention as these are symptoms of infections.

Avoid using tampons for 2 months postnatal pregnancy as tampons can introduce bacteria into the uterus therefore causing infection.

Postpartum bleeding is natural and every new mother faces it. Take rest and avoid lifting heavy things for 6 months post delivery.