Can breastfeeding cause more postpartum bleeding?

Understanding the Connection Between Breastfeeding and Postpartum Bleeding
Postpartum bleeding, known as lochia, is a common experience for new mothers, but its duration and intensity can vary significantly. One question that often arises is whether breastfeeding can influence the amount of postpartum bleeding a woman experiences.
The Role of Hormones in Postpartum Recovery
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the postpartum recovery process, particularly through the release of hormones like oxytocin. This hormone is vital for uterine contractions, which help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reduce bleeding. When a mother breastfeeds, the stimulation of the nipples triggers the release of oxytocin, promoting these contractions and potentially leading to a decrease in postpartum bleeding.
Conversely, if a mother is unable to breastfeed or does not breastfeed frequently, the lack of oxytocin release may result in prolonged bleeding. Research indicates that while lochia typically lasts about six weeks, some women may experience intermittent bleeding or spotting for longer periods, especially if breastfeeding is not established.
Breastfeeding and Postpartum Hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a more severe form of bleeding that can occur after childbirth. It is characterized by excessive blood loss and can pose significant health risks. Interestingly, breastfeeding may help mitigate the risk of PPH. The act of breastfeeding can stimulate uterine contractions, which may help prevent excessive bleeding during the critical third stage of labor.
However, for women who experience PPH, the situation can become complex. Those who have suffered significant blood loss may face challenges in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding, which can further complicate their recovery. This creates a cycle where difficulties in breastfeeding can lead to prolonged bleeding, and excessive bleeding can hinder breastfeeding efforts.
Normal vs. Abnormal Bleeding Patterns
It’s essential for new mothers to understand what constitutes normal postpartum bleeding. While most women will experience some bleeding for several weeks, it is crucial to monitor the intensity and duration. If bleeding becomes excessively heavy or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as severe pain or fever, it is vital to seek medical attention.
In summary, breastfeeding can have a beneficial effect on postpartum bleeding by promoting uterine contractions through oxytocin release. However, complications such as postpartum hemorrhage can create challenges that may affect both bleeding patterns and breastfeeding success. New mothers should remain vigilant about their postpartum recovery and consult healthcare providers if they have any concerns about their bleeding or breastfeeding experiences.

Why is my lochia turning red again?

If bright red spotting reappears after your lochia has already lightened up, it could be something called eschar bleeding. This is caused when the scab left behind from your placenta dissolves. This happens around the 10-day mark postpartum, and should only last for a few hours.

Does lochia increase with breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding moms may also notice an increase in lochia during nursing sessions, according to the Cleveland Clinic; a spike in the hormone oxytocin causes contractions which can lead to more uterine shedding. There is a rare postpartum bleeding complication to be aware of called subinvolution.

Does postpartum bleeding increase with activity?

If your postnatal bleeding (lochia) gets heavier or changes colour (becomes pink or red) after activity, you could be overdoing it.

Why am I pouring blood on my period?

For many people, heavy periods have no cause. For others, it’s due to a health condition such as fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. You may be experiencing a heavier than ‘normal’ period if you’re: bleeding through your clothes.

Why is my postpartum bleeding stopped then started again dark red?

Postpartum bleeding stopped and started again
That’s because during the first 6 weeks post-birth, you don’t stop bleeding entirely. Instead, you might notice your lochia increase in volume or even return to the bright red bleeding you experience in the first week after giving birth.

What are the signs of a retained placenta?

Symptoms of a retained placenta include:

• fever.
• heavy bleeding.
• bad-smelling discharge from your vagina.
• many large clots coming out of the vagina.

Can breastfeeding make you bleed more postpartum?

Bleeding after birth (lochia)
It isn’t a good idea to use tampons until after your 6-week postnatal check because they could increase your chance of getting an infection. You may notice the bleeding is redder and heavier when you breastfeed. This happens because breastfeeding makes your womb contract.

What are the red flags for lochia?

Signs Of Abnormal Lochia
The passage of large clots (roughly the size of a golf ball) Excessive bleeding (going through a pad in less than an hour) Foul or fishy smelling discharge. Nausea, chills or fever-like symptoms.

Why am I suddenly bleeding more postpartum?

After the placenta is delivered, these contractions help put pressure on the bleeding vessels in the area where the placenta was attached. If the uterus does not contract strongly enough, these blood vessels bleed freely. This is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.

Does breastfeeding make you bleed more period?

Exclusively breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and delay the return of your menstrual cycle after giving birth. However, when your periods do return, they might be heavier than usual due to hormonal fluctuation.