Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible experience, but postpartum recovery can come with unexpected challenges—one of them being heavy bleeding (also known as postpartum hemorrhage or excessive lochia). While bleeding after birth is normal, significant blood loss can impact your body in ways you might not expect, including your milk supply. If you’re struggling with low milk production and also dealing with heavy bleeding, there may be a connection. Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to support your body and breastfeeding journey.
What Causes Heavy Bleeding After Birth?
Bleeding after delivery, called lochia, is a normal part of the healing process as your uterus sheds tissue and blood from pregnancy. However, some women experience heavier-than-normal bleeding, which may be due to:
- Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): Excessive blood loss within 24 hours of delivery, often caused by uterine atony (when the uterus doesn’t contract properly) (JOGNN, 2015).
- Retained placenta: When pieces of the placenta remain in the uterus, preventing it from healing properly.
- Uterine infections: Infections can cause prolonged bleeding and interfere with overall postpartum recovery.
- Iron deficiency or anemia: Heavy blood loss can lead to anemia, which can make you feel weak and exhausted—two things that don’t help with milk production (NCBI, 2023).
How Heavy Bleeding Affects Milk Supply
1. Blood Loss Can Delay Milk Coming In
In the first few days after birth, your body shifts from producing colostrum to mature milk. However, significant blood loss can delay this process, making it take longer for your milk to fully come in. Research suggests that women who experience postpartum hemorrhage are more likely to experience delayed lactogenesis II, meaning their milk comes in later than usual (International Breastfeeding Journal, 2010).
2. Low Iron Levels Can Impact Milk Production
Heavy bleeding can lower your iron levels, leading to postpartum anemia. Since iron is essential for energy, oxygen transport, and overall health, low levels can leave you feeling drained and fatigued. Studies have shown that iron deficiency is associated with low milk supply and shorter breastfeeding duration (PubMed, 1995).
3. Hormonal Imbalance Can Disrupt Lactation
Excessive blood loss can interfere with the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. If your body is focused on recovering from blood loss, it may not produce enough prolactin to establish a strong milk supply (Stanford Medicine Children’s Health).
4. Fatigue and Weakness Can Affect Nursing and Pumping
Heavy blood loss can leave you feeling physically drained, making it harder to nurse or pump consistently. Since breastfeeding works on supply and demand, missing feeds or pumping sessions can lead to further reductions in milk supply. A study in Women and Birth found that postpartum hemorrhage significantly impacts breastfeeding outcomes, with affected mothers more likely to struggle with milk production and early weaning (Women and Birth, 2023).
What You Can Do to Support Your Milk Supply
1. Focus on Iron-Rich Nutrition
Since blood loss can lead to anemia, increasing your iron intake is crucial. Foods like:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Red meat
- Lentils and beans
- Iron-fortified cereals
- Dried fruits (apricots, raisins)
Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C (like oranges or bell peppers) helps boost absorption! Your doctor may also recommend iron supplements if your levels are low.
2. Stay Hydrated
Blood loss can dehydrate your body, which can further impact your milk supply. Drink plenty of water and consider electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water or bone broth to help replenish lost nutrients.
3. Prioritize Rest and Recovery
Your body needs time to heal! Heavy bleeding can leave you feeling exhausted, so rest as much as possible. Accept help from family or friends, and focus on nourishing meals, hydration, and low-stress breastfeeding.
4. Nurse or Pump Frequently
Even if your milk supply is lower than expected, keep nursing or pumping every 2-3 hours. This signals your body to keep producing milk. If baby isn’t nursing well yet, using a hospital-grade pump can help maintain stimulation.
5. Skin-to-Skin Contact
Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps release oxytocin, which can improve milk let-down and supply. Plus, it’s a great way to bond and encourage your baby to latch frequently.
6. Consider a Lactation Supplement
Some moms find that lactation-supporting herbs like fenugreek, moringa, or brewer’s yeast can help increase milk supply. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
7. Seek Help If Needed
If you’re struggling with persistent low milk supply, reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual situation and offer tailored support.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience heavy bleeding beyond 6 weeks postpartum, or if you have symptoms like dizziness, extreme fatigue, rapid heart rate, or passing large clots, call your doctor right away. Unresolved anemia or infection can make recovery harder and further impact breastfeeding (NCBI, 2023).
Healing First, Feeding Second
If heavy bleeding is affecting your milk supply, remember this: your body needs time to heal before it can fully focus on making milk. Give yourself grace, prioritize recovery, and know that even if breastfeeding doesn’t go exactly as planned, your baby is still getting love and nourishment from you—and that’s what matters most.
Your breastfeeding journey is unique, and there’s no single “right” way to do it. Whether you continue nursing, supplement, or choose another feeding method, you’re doing an incredible job.
