Is Post Birth Bleeding A Period? Tips To Manage Postpartum Bleeding

03.10.2025 4 Minutes

Sometimes the best thing about being pregnant is having a break from Aunt Flo for nine months as you grow a wee human. But once that human lands, it feels like it’s game-on straight away. However, post-birth bleeding isn’t a period.

‘Lochia’ is the term used to describe postpartum bleeding and it has a few stages. Lochia is your uterus shedding all the extra stuff (such as blood, mucus and tissue) that hung around during pregnancy.

It starts immediately after birth and gradually tapers off over the coming weeks as your body recovers so it’s important to know what’s normal and what isn’t.

In this blog, we dive into the topic in more detail and will tell you more about each stage and what to look out for.

Firstly, postpartum bleeding is normal but here’s what you should know and look out for.

Postpartum bleeding can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks but can hang around for up to 8 weeks for some - especially after a vaginal birth. Generally the blood can be categorized into three categories:

Lochia rubra (1 - 4 days): Bright red and heavy, a bit like a really heavy period. Think strong period-level or heavier.
Lochia serosa (around day 4 onward): Brownish or pinkish, not as heavy and the blood is no longer bright red.
Lochia alba (from week 2 to 6): Yellowish-white and much lighter.

When To Talk To Your Doctor or Lead Maternity Carer

While it’s normal to see clots, especially in the first few days, if they are bigger than a golf ball or you feel concerned about them, talk to your doctor.

Foul-smelling or green discharge
Heavy bleeding that doesn’t ease after a few days
Fever, chills, dizziness, or intense pelvic pain

How to Manage Postpartum Bleeding

Pads are the best option initially - skip tampons, menstrual cups and discs for the first few days.
Change your pad regularly
Keep snacks, water, a cozy blanket, and help within arm’s reach.
Rest when you can - gentle movement is fine but don’t be in a rush to get back into your pre-birth routines.

One thing we get asked a lot is whether you can avoid wearing those notoriously bulky and ugly post-birth pads and adult diapers. The answer is yes and no.

While Hello Period’s reusable pads and period underwear are perfect postpartum pals, always check with your doctor or Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) before using them because it’s likely they will want you to wear a single-use pad so they can ask you about the colour of your blood which is harder to see on black gussets that tend to adorn reusable sanitary pads and period pants.

Can I Use A Cup or Disc Postpartum?

Yes, you can manage post-partum bleeding with a menstrual cup or menstrual disc but not immediately post-birth. Again, we recommend you wait until your doctor or LMC gives you the green light.

When you do restart using your period cup again remember (especially if you have had a vaginal birth) that your body has been through a huge event and your vagina could very well still be stretched and you might need a different size.

Additionally, childbirth can sometimes also result in other joyous changes such as pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse is when the organs in your pelvic region like the bladder, uterus or rectum descend into or push outside of the vaginal canal. This can have an impact on how your menstrual cup or menstrual disc works. If you had no issues prior to birth, but suddenly are experiencing leaking - don’t fret. Working with a pelvic physio is a good idea especially when it comes to understanding changes and getting a plan in place to help get back to normal.

If you are using a period cup or disc for lochia bleeding, remember it’s important to still follow the recommended care and cleaning instructions.

How Long Does Postpartum Bleeding Last?

For most people, lochia tapers off after about 4 to 6 weeks although it’s not uncommon for it to linger for up to 8 weeks. People who have had a caesarian section often find their lochia is less heavy initially.

What Hello Products Are Best For Postpartum?

Hello Period products are a great option for managing postpartum bleeding sustainably. Their award-winning products are more comfortable and absorbent than single-use pads and are easy-care. Here are our top recommendations from their range:

Hello High Waist Undies: These beauties are so comfortable and will hold the same as five regular pads. They can go in both the washing machine and dryer so have a super quick turn-around time.

Hello Pad: Absorbent and leakproof, our Hello Pads are an essential addition to your hospital bag. Thinner than the notoriously bulky single use postpartum pads, they will have your back(side) and, like Hello Undies, can go in both the washing machine and drying.