Dadi Said, Doctor Says: 6 Postpartum Bleeding Myths in Indian Homes

When a baby is born, advice comes from everywhere. Your mummy, your saas, the neighbour aunty, even a relative you met once.

Most of it comes from love, and some of it is really useful. But some of it is not what doctors say today. Let's look at six things you may have heard about bleeding after delivery.

Myth 1: "Don't take a bath for 40 days"

Many families believe water will make you sick.

Most doctors say a normal warm bath or shower is fine. It actually helps, because you need to stay clean while you are bleeding. If you had stitches or a C-section, just ask your doctor how to care for that area. After the bath, dry yourself well and change into dry clothes.

Myth 2: "More bleeding is better, the bad blood is coming out"

Bleeding after delivery is normal. It is called lochia, and it is heavy in the first few days.

But it should slowly become lighter. If you are soaking a pad in one hour, or the bleeding suddenly gets heavy again after slowing down, don't wait. Please call your doctor.

Myth 3: "Lie down flat for the whole 40 days"

You do need rest. Your body has done a lot of work.

But lying in bed all day is not good either. Slow, short walks at home help your blood flow and your digestion. Just don't lift anything heavy. If your doctor has told you to stay in bed, then do what the doctor says.

Myth 4: "Old soft cloth is the safest"

Our grandmothers used cloth, and many homes still do. The cloth is not the problem. Cleanliness is.

If the cloth is even a little damp, germs can grow. So whatever you use, it should be clean, fully dry and changed often. Many new mothers find disposable options easier, especially at night.

Myth 5: "Drink less water so the bleeding stops"

This is not true. Drinking less water does not reduce bleeding. Your body needs water to heal, to make milk, and to avoid constipation. So keep sipping water through the day.

Myth 6: "It will stop exactly on day 40"

Forty days is a rough idea, not a deadline. Bleeding usually lasts around four to six weeks. Some women stop earlier, and some have light spotting for a little longer.

Sometimes it increases for a day when you have been on your feet too much. That is usually okay. But if it suddenly becomes heavy and bright red, get it checked.

When you should call the doctor

Whatever anyone at home says, please call your doctor if you notice:

A pad full of blood in one hour

Blood clots bigger than a golf ball

A bad smell from the discharge

Fever or chills

Feeling dizzy, very weak, or like your heart is racing

Lower stomach pain that keeps getting worse

How to talk to your family without a fight

You don't have to argue with your dadi. Just say, "My doctor told me this is okay." That usually ends the discussion. You can also show them this article. Most elders only want you to be safe, and they listen to doctors.

Where Dreamease can help

The first few weeks of heavy bleeding are tiring, especially at night. Our disposable period panty is made for this time. It covers fully and is quick to change, so you can rest more and worry less.

And if you have a question and don't know who to ask, you can talk to a gynaecologist on Dreamease for just ₹49.

This article is for general information. It doesn't replace advice from your own doctor.