Why does the lochia increase during breastfeeding?

For new mothers, if they find that there is a lot of lochia during the breastfeeding process, they should pay attention. Some mothers will experience this phenomenon. Lochia will be discharged as long as they breastfeed their children. In fact, this is also a normal phenomenon, because the baby will produce a certain stimulation when drinking the mother's milk, which can easily lead to uterine contraction and cause lochia to flow out of the body. Let's take a look at this aspect.

Why does the lochia increase during breastfeeding?

1. Why does lochia occur when breastfeeding?

This is normal because the baby's sucking on the nipple stimulates the contraction of the uterus. It is precisely because of the baby's sucking that the uterus can recover faster, and lochia should be discharged as soon as possible.

2. Will breastfeeding cause lochia to continue?

After delivery, as the endometrium (especially the endometrium at the attachment site) falls off, mucus secreted by the uterus also flows out of the vagina. This is lochia. Normal lochia has a bloody smell, but it is not smelly. The total amount is about 500 to 1000 ml. Generally speaking, lochia will clear up in about 3 weeks after delivery.

In real life, many women still have lochia discharge 6 weeks after delivery, and some are accompanied by a foul odor. This is called retained lochia. Generally, there are three main causes of retained lochia.

1. Poor uterine contraction: In this case, the lochia discharge time is prolonged, the amount is small, there is no odor, and there is no obvious discomfort. If a mother who has just given birth is usually weak, exerts too much energy during delivery, and fails to rest well after delivery, it will lead to poor uterine contractions and prolonged uterine recovery time, thus prolonging the time it takes to discharge lochia.

2. Residual pregnancy tissue: Its characteristics are that the amount of bleeding varies, blood clots are present, and it may be accompanied by intermittent abdominal pain. New mothers who have had abortions, reproductive tract infections, uterine malformations, etc. are more likely to experience this situation.

3. Intrauterine infection: This situation is worse, characterized by foul-smelling lochia, abdominal tenderness, and fever. New mothers are physically tired after giving birth, and it takes some time for the reproductive system to recover. If care is not taken, pathogens can easily take advantage of the situation and enter. In addition, small amounts of intermittent postpartum bloody lochia may also be due to incomplete repair of the endometrium or other problems.

3. What to do if the lochia does not stop after delivery

1. Actively treat various pregnancy diseases before delivery, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, anemia, vaginitis, etc.

2. For patients with premature rupture of membranes and prolonged labor, antibiotics should be given to prevent infection.

3. After delivery, carefully check whether the placenta and fetal membranes are complete. If there are any residues, deal with them in time. Check the placenta and fetal membranes. Lay the placenta flat with the mother facing up, and pay attention to whether the lobes can be aligned and whether there are any defects. Then lift the fetal membrane to check whether it is intact, and pay attention to whether there are abnormal blood vessels passing through the fetal membrane. If there are broken blood vessels, it means that there may be a "accessory placenta" remaining in the uterus. If the placenta is incomplete or most of the fetal membrane remains, it must be removed by hand or with instruments into the uterine cavity under strict disinfection to prevent postpartum hemorrhage or infection. If a small part of the fetal membrane remains, uterotonics can be used after delivery to promote its natural discharge.

4. Adhere to breastfeeding, which is beneficial to uterine contraction and the discharge of lochia.

5. Observe the color, amount and smell of lochia every day after delivery. Normal lochia should be odorless but have a bloody smell. If an odor is found, it may be that there are fetal residues in the uterus and should be treated immediately.

6. Measure the degree of uterine contraction regularly. If you find that the contraction is poor, you should ask a doctor to prescribe uterotonics.

7. Keep the vagina clean. Because of the discharge of lochia, women should change sanitary napkins frequently to keep clean. It is best to temporarily refrain from sexual intercourse to avoid infection.

8. If lochia continues after delivery and you suspect that there is placenta residue, you should go to the hospital in time and receive treatment under the guidance of a doctor.