Will I Still Bleed After A C-section birth?

Some mothers believe that because they didnt give birth vaginally, they won't experience blood loss after birth. 

Is that true?

Unfortunately no - all new mothers will experience a period-like discharge, known as 'lochia'. 

Lochia happens as the body sheds the thick lining of the uterus, after the baby is born.

Every woman will experience differences in the volume, colour and duration of their lochia. However, for most women it starts out as a dark or bright red colour, heavy in volume, like a very heavy first day of your period. 

As the days progress, usually the flow of lochia will start to decrease, and change in colour from the deep red, to a more rusty brown colour, and then a faded pink, and then disappear all together. 

This can take anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks for the majority of women. 

Is It Different Because I've Had A C-Section?

It can be. Often during the C-section process, the medical team will use suction to remove excess blood and tissue, meaning that lochia can be less after a Caesarian than after a vaginal. 

This isn't always the case, and lots of C-section Mums still report significant blood loss after birth. 

When Should I Start To Worry About My Lochia?

It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your lochia - in particular how heavy the flow is, the colour, and the smell. 

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms that may indicate a problem:

• An increase in the heaviness after it had started to ease,
• A foul smell,
• If you're filling more than 1 pad an hour, more than 5 days after giving birth, 
• Severe cramping or other abdominal pain,
• Passing clots larger than a golf ball, 
• Fevers, chills, nausea or blurred vision,

If you are concerned, or if you notice any of the above, it's a good idea to get in touch with your healthcare provider, to ensure that there is no infection, or signs of postpartum haemmorhage.