After the delivery of your new baby, your body is going through some major changes! You look different, feel different, and even smell different. Postpartum feminine odor happens to everyone! But it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not.
In this post, we’ll go over what causes postpartum feminine odor, how to determine normal odor versus an infection, and some recommended remedies for normal odor to help keep you more comfortable!
What Causes Postpartum Feminine Odor?
After you give birth, you will experience something called lochia. This occurs for everyone, regardless of whether you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section. Lochia is vaginal discharge that contains a mixture of blood, mucus, amniotic fluid, and uterine tissue.
Naturally, the lochia will have a smell, similar to your menstrual cycle. Some people describe it as stale and musty. Or metallic, similar to the smell of blood. Lochia is a normal part of the postpartum healing process. You may experience lochia anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks in the postpartum period.
You will also experience major hormonal changes after giving birth. Your estrogen levels drop dramatically, which can cause many other symptoms such as body odor and excessive sweating.
During the postpartum phase, your vaginal odor may change as well. This can be caused by the change in your pH balance, excess moisture, and postpartum bleeding.
Normal Versus Infection
Although you may have postpartum vaginal odor, it’s important to know what is a normal odor and what is an infection so you can consult your doctor.
The main signs of infection are foul-smelling discharge or if your vaginal discharge changes to a greenish color. It may have a fishy smell or a rotten smell. If you experience this, call your doctor right away. You may be experiencing common vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection.
It is normal to have a vaginal odor, but as mentioned before it should never be foul-smelling. A vaginal smell postpartum could be explained as musty, earthy, or metallic.
If you maintain good hygiene, shower with mild soaps, and still experience any weird smells, it’s time to call your doctor.
Recommended Remedies
There are a few things you can do to help reduce any normal postpartum odor. The good news is they mostly relate to maintaining good hygiene and are easy to do. I recommend avoiding using any over-the-counter suppositories or washes until talking with your doctor.
Change Pads Frequently
I highly recommend changing your pads frequently, before they become saturated. This helps reduce the amount of odor because there is less lochia hanging around on your pad. And also helps prevent any urinary tract infections from bacteria building.
You can also wear herbal postpartum pads. Not only are they soothing and great for postpartum healing. They also smell great due to being infused with lavender and mint.
Special Underwear
The type of pads and underwear you choose to wear postpartum is a personal decision! Some women feel more comfortable wearing regular underwear with a pad, while others prefer an adult diaper, or mesh underwear with a pad.
Once your postpartum bleeding starts to slow, I recommend wearing postpartum underwear. They are high-waisted and really comfortable. But most importantly, they are made from cotton or rayon. This allows the fabric to be breathable and absorbent. Which is important in keeping your vaginal area clean and dry!
Preventing the Return of Vaginal Odor
Here are a few easy natural things you can attempt at home to reduce any postpartum feminine odor.
probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that can help maintain a normal pH balance in you vagina. You can consider adding a probiotic supplement to your diet, or increasing probiotic-rich foods in your diet. Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, and unpasteurized sauerkraut.
avoid douches and special washes
You may have seen all of the special feminine washes that claim they help your pH balance, but it’s actually best to avoid them. Your vagina is actually self-cleaning. You only need to wash in the shower with warm water and mild soap. Unless of course, your healthcare provider tells you otherwise!
stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is great for so many different things in the postpartum period. But it’s actually a good idea to help prevent any vaginal odor and body odor. By helping your body release fluids appropriately and flush out your system.
eat less sugary foods
Eating a diet high in sugary foods can cause an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast loves sugar, and this can lead to a strong odor or that fishy odor we were talking about. It’s best to eat a diet full of foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
This doesn’t mean you can’t eat anything sugary. Just in moderation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I smell during postpartum?
Truthfully, postpartum is a smelly time for many reasons. You have body odor, vaginal odor, and you’re maybe even covered in spit up and diaper blowouts.
Body odor and vaginal odor are all normal symptoms of postpartum due to the fluctuations in your hormone levels after having your new baby. If you’re ever concerned, contact your doctor!
How do you fix postpartum odor?
You can check out my post on postpartum body odor for all of the tips on how to treat and prevent body odor. For normal vaginal odor, I recommend changing your pads frequently and wearing breathable underwear.
Can breastfeeding make your vagina smell different?
When you are breastfeeding, your hormones are in a different state than they usually are. You have lower estrogen levels than usual, which can cause vaginal dryness and changes in vaginal odor. Your vaginal discharge may also be different than usual.
However, the vaginal odor should never be offensive or foul-smelling.
What does infected lochia smell like?
You will notice a strong, foul-smelling odor that just doesn’t smell right. It may smell sour or fishy. And no matter how much you maintain good hygiene, it doesn’t go away.
How long does smelly discharge last after birth?
Typically, normal vaginal discharge after birth will last anywhere between 2-6 weeks. The blood flow should taper off from a heavy flow, to moderate flow, to a light flow or spotting with yellowish white discharge.
Remember, this is all temporary. Things will eventually level out and you will feel more like yourself again. If you ever become concerned or are unsure, always reach out to your doctor and advocate for yourself. You got this, mama!
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