3 Things You Might Not Know About Postpartum Bleeding

This post is proudly sponsored by Bare Mum.

1. It’s not just blood – it’s called lochia, and it has a distinct smell

The vaginal discharge after giving birth isn’t only blood, it’s also uterine tissue and mucus, which is commonly called lochia and it has a distinct earthy smell. Post-birth you will pass fresh, red blood, followed by brown blood, which will become a light-pink discharge before you return to your usual vaginal discharge. This whole process typically takes four to six weeks, so if you’re changing your pad every three to four hours (especially in the early weeks), that’s completely normal.

This is exactly why I love having a proper postpartum kit on hand rather than scrambling through the pharmacy aisle post-birth. Bare Mum’s Vaginal Birth Care Kit includes 10 herbal-infused postpartum pads designed specifically for this stage. With absorbency comparable to leading adult nappies, a soft organic cotton cover that won’t catch on stitches, and soothing herbs to support recovery, they’re ideal for those early days.

2. Breastfeeding can trigger a temporary increase in bleeding

Here’s one that catches a lot of women off guard: you may notice an increase in bleeding following a breastfeed. This happens because your body releases oxytocin so your breasts release milk, which also prompts your uterus to contract and shrink, releasing blood. It can feel alarming in the moment, but it’s simply your body doing exactly what it’s designed to do.

It’s also a timely reminder that your perineum needs just as much attention as your bleeding during this stage. The Bare Mum kit includes a perineal wash bottle and calming perineal foam infused with witch hazel, aloe vera & centella asiatica, both designed to make those early trips to the toilet (and pad changes) far more comfortable, especially if you’re managing stitches or swelling on top of normal postpartum bleeding.

3. Your bleeding can stop, then come back – and your cycle’s return is unpredictable

Your bleeding may settle, stop and then return as a flow or light spotting, which can feel confusing if you thought you were in the clear. And when it comes to your period returning, there’s no telling the timeline: if you’re breastfeeding, it could be as soon as three months postpartum or it may take a year or two, especially if you feed on demand. If you choose to formula feed, your cycle will typically return six to eight weeks after birth.

Because this recovery period can stretch on longer than people expect, I always recommend having postpartum essentials ready to go well before those first six weeks are up. The Bare Mum Vaginal Birth Care Kit also includes specially designed postpartum briefs with a discreet pocket to hold the reusable warm & cool insert against the perineal area (a lifesaver for swelling and discomfort). There’s also a step-by-step instruction booklet so you’re not googling at 2am wondering what’s normal. It’s the kind of thing that goes straight into your hospital bag and quietly does its job so you can focus on your baby, not your bathroom cabinet.

Of course, there are times to seek medical care: heavy bleeding (filling a pad every hour), golf-ball sized clots, bright red bleeding a week after birth, or lochia that smells offensive are all signs to alert your care provider or connect with your GP.

Sponsor:

If you’re pregnant, we encourage you to start thinking about your birth recovery now. You need more support in the fourth trimester – the 12 weeks after birth – than you do in pregnancy, which can be surprising to many new mothers. It’s for this reason that Bare Mum was created, and now offers a beautiful collection of practical and supportive essentials to assist your postpartum healing.

If you’re preparing for a vaginal birth, or supporting someone who is, check out Bare Mum’s Vaginal Birth Care Kit, and use the code ABS2026 at checkout to get 15% off storewide.