Your Postpartum Recovery: Bleeding, Infection Signs and Healing Tips
A practical guide to healing your body and knowing when to seek help
Bringing a baby into the world is powerful and beautiful—but let’s be real: your body just went through something major. Whether you delivered vaginally or by C-section, postpartum recovery takes time, rest, and awareness.
This post will walk you through what’s normal, what’s not, and how to care for your healing body at home.
Bleeding After Birth: What’s Normal?
Postpartum bleeding (called ‘lochia’) is your body’s way of shedding the uterine lining and healing.
It’s normal to experience:
‘Heavy’ bleeding in the first few days
Small clots (especially after lying down)
A change in colour from bright red → pink → brown over several weeks
When to Worry:
Soaking through a pad in less than 1 hour
Golf ball-sized clots (or larger)
A constant gush of blood when standing
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Quick Test— IF you feel up for it:. If you catch a clot in a paper towel and try to pull it apart—
Tears easily = blood clot
It does not separate easily = possible tissue (placenta) → seek medical help
⏰ If bleeding increases suddenly or feels concerning, lie down immediately and call your provider or head to the hospital.
Caring for Vaginal Stitches or Tears
If you had a vaginal birth with tearing or an episiotomy:
Do:
Use a peri bottle with warm water every time you pee
Pat dry gently, avoid wiping
Change pads frequently
Sit on a soft surface or donut cushion
Don’t:
Use tampons or insert anything vaginally for 6 weeks
Ignore signs of infection
⚠️ Infection Signs:
Foul-smelling discharge
Increasing pain
Redness or swelling
Fever
✂️ C-Section Recovery 101
If you had a cesarean birth, you’ll need extra attention to your incision site.
Once the dressing is removed (24–48 hours post-op):
Shower normally and let water run over the incision
Pat dry—no scrubbing!
Wear loose clothing that doesn’t rub the scar
Avoid heavy lifting (nothing heavier than your baby)
🛑 Seek help if you notice:
Redness, warmth, or swelling
Yellow/green discharge (pus)
Fever or chills
Sharp pain around the incision
💡 Staples? Make sure you’re given a staple remover when discharged home from hospital. If you’re responsible for having them taken out at your doctors office, as not all offices have staple removers (as they are 1 time use).
Mastitis: A Breast Infection to Know
Mastitis can develop when milk is trapped, often due to clogged ducts or infrequent feeds.
Early signs:
One breast is red, sore, and warm to the touch
Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms
Pain not relieved by feeding or pumping
What to Do:
Continue feeding/pumping frequently
Apply warm compresses and massage the area
Rest and hydrate
💊 If symptoms worsen or fever persists, see your doctor—antibiotics may be needed.
📅 Your Follow-Up Appointments
Mom: Book a postpartum check-up with your provider for around 6 weeks postpartum, or sooner if needed.
Baby: Will be seen within 1–3 days after discharge (especially if jaundice is a concern).
👶 Keep Track of:
Your bleeding patterns
Pain levels
Breast health
Mood/emotional changes
Any signs of infection
Bringing notes or questions to your follow-up visits helps your provider support you better.
💬 Final Thoughts
Your body is doing the hard work of healing. You don’t need to rush back to “normal” or ignore your discomfort. Be gentle with yourself, ask for help, and reach out if something doesn’t feel right.
You deserve care too. 💛