Postpartum Bleeding Explained: What’s Normal and When to Worry

After giving birth, your body begins a slow and steady journey of recovery. One of the first things many new moms notice—sometimes even before they leave the hospital—is postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia. It might feel surprising or even alarming, but this bleeding is your body’s natural way of healing.

Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a C-section, lochia is your body’s way of shedding leftover tissue, blood, and mucus from the uterus. It’s not the same as a period—but it can feel just as heavy, especially in the first few days.

Lochia usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks, but every woman’s timeline is different.

• In the first week, you may experience heavy bleeding with bright red blood, sometimes with small clots.

• By the second or third week, the bleeding lightens in color—turning pink or brown.

• From the fourth week onward, the discharge often becomes yellow or white before finally stopping.

You may notice bleeding becomes heavier again when you’re particularly active or not getting enough rest—that’s your body’s way of asking you to slow down.

While postpartum bleeding is normal, there are times when you should reach out to your doctor.
If you’re:

• Soaking a pad every hour for multiple hours

• Passing large clots

• Noticing a foul smell from the discharge

• Experiencing dizziness, weakness, or a high fever

don’t ignore these signs. In many Indian families, mothers are encouraged to  tolerate discomfort silently. But your well-being matters. You deserve to speak up and seek care.

At Putchi, we understand that postpartum isn’t just about the baby—it’s about you, too. That’s why our high-absorbency postpartum underwear is thoughtfully designed to support you through this stage. With no tight elastics or scratchy seams, they keep you dry and comfortable during those unpredictable early weeks.

Postpartum bleeding may be part of the process—but that doesn’t mean you should go through it alone. Putchi is here, holding space for your healing, every step of the way.