Understanding Lochia: Your Body's Natural Healing Process After Childbirth

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Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is your body's natural healing process as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. We explore the science behind this important recovery phase and what every new mother should know about supporting her body during this time.

• Uterus shrinks from watermelon to pear size in about six weeks after delivery
• Lochia progresses through three distinct phases: rubra (days 1-4), serosa (days 5-10), and alba (final phase)
• Bleeding occurs as the wound where the placenta attached heals
• Breastfeeding releases oxytocin that stimulates uterine contractions and speeds healing
• Cesarean deliveries may experience lighter bleeding as some uterine lining is removed during surgery
• Warning signs include bright red bleeding that returns after lightening, large clots, foul smell, or soaking pads hourly
• Postpartum hemorrhage affects 1-5% of births in Canada and requires immediate medical attention
• Rest, hydration, nutrition, and self-compassion are essential for supporting recovery

Take time to heal and remember that every body is different. If you have concerns about your postpartum bleeding, always reach out to your healthcare provider.

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Episode Transcript

Deborah Koumoutsidis (00:06):
Hey Mamas, you're listening to Tend and
Befriend, a podcast aboutwomen's mental and physical
health.
This is Debra.
I'm a mom of two, a labor andbirth coach and birth advocate,
a health professional, and todayI'm your host.
Let's dive into today's episode.
Let's dive into today's episode.

(00:36):
Any information you hear orthat is suggested or recommended
on these episodes is notmedical advice.
Your doula and I'm here toshare evidence-based insights to
support you on your journeythrough pregnancy, postpartum
and beyond.
Whether you're a new listeneror a loyal fan, I'm so glad that
you're here Today.
We're diving into an importanttopic that affects every
postpartum mom the connectionbetween postpartum bleeding and

(00:58):
uterine healing.
Bleeding after childbirth, alsoknown as lochia, is a normal
part of recovery, butunderstanding what's happening
in your body and what'sconsidered normal can help you
feel more confident during thisstage.
Let's unpack the science behinduterine healing and what to
expect with your postpartumbleeding.
Postpartum bleeding, or lachia,is the body's way of clearing

(01:20):
out the uterus after delivery.
It consists of blood tissue andmucus that once lined your
uterus during pregnancy, andCanadian guidelines indicate
that lachia is a sign of youruterus healing as it returns to
its pre-pregnancy size a processknown as involution and in a
week after you delivered yourbaby, your uterus will be half
the size it was just after yougave birth, and after two weeks

(01:44):
it will be back inside yourpelvis.
On average, the uterus shrinksfrom the size of a watermelon to
that of a pear in about sixweeks.
During this time, the bloodvessels that supported the
placenta seal off and tissuefrom the placenta site gradually
sheds.
There are three distinct phasesof lochia Lochia rubra, which

(02:07):
are from days one to four.
This is the heaviest phase,with bright red blood and small
clots.
It's normal to experiencemoderate to heavy flow during
this time.
There's lochia serosa, which isfrom days five to 10.
And the bleeding lightens andturns pink or brown as the
uterus continues to heal.
Then we have lochia alba thedischarge becomes yellowish or

(02:30):
white and tapers off, signalingthe end of the healing process.
It's important to remember thateveryone's timeline is slightly
different, but the generalprogression should follow this
pattern.
Let's talk about how bleedingrelates to the uterine healing.
After the placenta detachesfrom the uterine wall, the site
where it was attached becomes alarge, open wound.

(02:51):
The bleeding is essentiallyyour body's way of shedding
excess tissue and healing thatwound.
Research from the CanadianJournal of Obstetrics and
Gynecology highlight theimportance of uterine
contractions during this process.
These contractions, oftenreferred to as afterpains, help
compress blood vessels andminimize bleeding.

(03:13):
This is why breastfeeding cansometimes increase your cramping
.
It releases oxytocin, whichstimulates uterine contractions
and speeds up the healingprocess.
However, certain factors canimpact the healing process, such
as postpartum bleeding tends tobe lighter for those who've had
a cesarean delivery, becausesome uterine lining is removed

(03:36):
during your surgery.
Some uterine lining is removedduring your surgery and resuming
physical activity too quicklycan increase bleeding as your
body redirects energy away fromthe healing.
Understanding these connectionscan help you make decisions
that support your recovery.
So I'm one of those women whodidn't understand this with my
first baby and I went back tophysical exercise a little too

(03:58):
early, which caused some minorcomplications, but I didn't make
those mistakes the second timearound.
It's important that we knowthose things.
It's also crucial to know whenbleeding might be a sign of
something a little more serious.
You want to call yourhealthcare provider if you
experience any of thesefollowing things Bright red

(04:22):
bleeding that resumes after ithas already lightened.
Passing clots that are largerthan a golf ball or a plum.
A foul smelling discharge,which could indicate an
infection, heavy bleeding thatsoaks through one or more pads
for two consecutive hours,symptoms like fever, dizziness

(04:45):
or a racing heartbeat.
And one specific concern ispostpartum hemorrhage, which
affects approximately one tofive percent of births.
In Canada, this is defined aslosing more than 500 milliliters
of blood after a vaginal birthor 1000 milliliters after a
cesarean birth.
If you suspect this, seekimmediate medical attention.

(05:09):
Here are some simple steps thatcan take your support to the
next level.
Rest your body needs time torecover, so avoid heavy lifting
and overexertion.
Hydration Staying hydratedhelps to maintain good blood
flow and aids in healing.
Nutrition Focus onnutrient-dense foods that are

(05:30):
rich in iron, vitamin C andprotein to support tissue repair
and prevent anemia.
Breastfeeding If it's part ofyour plan.
Breastfeeding can help youruterus contract and heal more
quickly.
And, as always, be kind toyourself.
Healing takes time and everybody is different.

(05:52):
Understanding the connectionbetween postpartum bleeding and
uterine healing can give youpeace of mind during recovery.
Remember, lachia is a naturalpart of your body's healing
process, but knowing what'snormal and when to seek help is
key.
Until next time, take care andkeep tending to yourself and
those you love.
Talk soon.

(06:12):
Talk to you soon.
Okay, let's talk soon.