Lochia Rubra

• Dark or bright red blood

• Lasts for three to four days

• Flows like a heavy period

• Small clots are normal (smaller than a golf ball/egg)

• Mild period-like cramping

Lochia serosa

• Pinkish brown discharge

• Less bloody and more watery

• Lasts for four to twelve days

• Flow is moderate

• Less clotting or no clots

Lochia alba

• Yellowish white discharge

• Little to no blood

• Light flow or spotting

• Lasts from about 12 days to 6 weeks

• No clots

• Follow provider recommendations and wait until after the first 6 weeks.

• Begin after the incision is completely closed - all scabs are gone, and there are no remaining open areas.

• Use unscented vitamin E oil or coconut oil.

• Use your fingers to move your skin up and down, side to side, and in little circles. Massage completely around the scar, repeating each movement 5-10 times. Use enough pressure that the scar can move but not so much that the massage is painful. As the scar becomes less tender, you can follow this procedure with your fingers directly on top of the scar itself. The fingers should be slightly arched. Place pads of fingers on the edge of the scar. Focus on any area of tightness to encourage movement in that direction by moving the tissues to where they do not want to go and then gently holding them there for 5-10 seconds. Move along the scar every ½ inch-1 inch and repeat over the entire length of the scar, stretching in all directions (up/down, side to side, and diagonal). You may feel a pulling or slight burning sensation, which is normal for stretching in the tissues. Hold until you feel a softening or melting of the tissues or the feeling that the scar tissue is releasing a little under your fingers. Do not rush into anything you do not feel comfortable with. Give yourself time to get comfortable with the way it looks and feels. Lay on your back with your knees bent/a pillow under the knees. 5 minutes daily to start.

• Click here to view an image demonstrating the technique.

• Silicone strips to help scar healing.

Click here to be taken to an FDA site listing the different ways mercury can be listed in the ingredients of skin lightening creams.

• Given the current opioid epidemic many people are concerned about taking opioids due to the potential for addiction. This is a very valid concern. However I do want to point out that undertreating acute pain can lead to the development of chronic pain. So if you have concerns about substance abuse, either from what you’ve heard in the news or from personal experience, discuss your concerns with your doctor. There’s a lot of reliable information out there as well as a considerable amount of misinformation so making a personalized plan and getting your questions answered from your provider is the best course of action. 

• If you have struggled in the past, are currently struggling or know someone struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders I encourage you to reach out to the SAMHSA helpline to get connected with help and resources in your area. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline