Pads for the four phases of lochia
The lochia is probably the strongest and longest lasting symptom of physical recovery during the postpartum period. It lasts two to six weeks and mainly comes from the wound in your uterus left by the placenta.
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What are the four phases of lochia?
The first phase is the red phase (lochia rubra) and lasts the first few days. During this time, the lochia consists mainly of blood and uterine lining, mixed with remnants of the fetal membrane and vernix caseosa, both of which have surrounded your child. As you spend a lot of time lying down in the postpartum period, the blood can clot in your vagina and come out as a lump, known as a clot. This is certainly a little unusual, but fortunately completely harmless and completely normal. During this time, the lochia is liquid and very heavy.
The next phase is called lochia fusca and is also called the brown phase. It lasts about a week and the lochia during this time consists mainly of clotted blood (which is often brownish, hence the name), blood serum, white blood cells and lymph fluid. The lochia becomes almost watery in this phase, but is significantly less heavy than in the first few days.
The third phase is called lochia flava and often begins around two weeks after birth. During this time, the lochia becomes thicker, creamy and yellowish in color. This is because dead tissue from your uterus mixes with bacteria and mucus. The discharge is also rather light here.
And the last phase is called lochia alba, because the lochia is now almost white and more liquid again. It can remind you of the discharge from your cycle. Now it only contains wound fluid. After the white phase, the lochia stops, the wound in your uterus has healed and the uterus has returned to its original size.
Which pads do I need for which phase of the lochia?
For the first phase of the lochia, you need particularly strong pads that can absorb the large amount of blood and fluid: so-called flake diapers. These are very thick pads or liners made of cotton that are particularly absorbent and free of plastic. The weeks organic flake diapers are made of 100% organic cotton and absorb up to 175 ml of fluid, perfect for the first phase of the lochia. Normal period pads can only absorb much less blood and also have a plastic coating. The resulting moist environment can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Flake diapers are also practical for the later days of the lochia, especially if you suffer from temporary incontinence after the birth. They also absorb urine easily and protect you well during the postpartum period.
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