Postpartum Bleeding: What to Expect & Tampon Safety

Question
I'm pregnant with my first child and am beginning to get stressed out about all of the bleeding that I'm reading happens after the birth.  I never really thought about it, but now that I do it makes sense that it happens...but NO ONE really talks about it.  I am very active and have never been able to wear pads in my life.  Is it true that you cannot wear tampons for this bleeding and why not?  What happens if you do?  What if you just make sure to change them often?  How will I cope with not being able to get up and around (with pads I can only just lay there or sit there) with a new baby?  How long will the bleeding last?  Is there any way to speed it up...flush you out more quickly?  I have to get back to my competitive sport three weeks after the birth and pads are simply not an option.  I have had a great pregnancy, no complications or concerns at all..except that they expect me to deliver a large baby...they are estimating 10-11 lbs.  

Answer
Dear Jackie,

It is true that you should not wear tampons during this time because of the risk of infection, and also because the bleeding can get very heavy and then it makes a huge mess.  You don't want to get an infection because your body is trying to heal from the birth and it can cause infertility.  So, I wouldn't wear a tampon at all during this time.  Pads don't really hinder you getting out and about that much at all.  You can get some thin ones and half the time you don't notice when they are there.  Another thing about tampons is that after the birth your vagina is going to be stretched and the tampons won't fit right for a while, not to mention being very very sore...you won't want to wear one because of the discomfort.  My bleeding lasted for 10 weeks, but I had a c-section (which makes for more bleeding) and I had twins (two placentas were removed and that in itself caused bleeding and that is where the bleeding comes from).  It is usually pretty heavy the first few days after birth but then gets lighter and it's basically like a longer period.  Usually bleeding lasts anywhere from 4-6 weeks, but is sometimes longer or shorter.  You shouldn't try to use anything to flush you out because it won't help.  It can cause infection as well.  The bleeding comes from your uterus clotting itself up on the side where the placenta was attached, so it's basically like when you cut yourself.  It just takes time to heal, so in that sense it's a little bit different from a period.  Most doctors will tell you to wait until 4-6 weeks after your birth before you start working out to give your body time to recover.  If you have a c-section, it will take longer.  Talk to your doctor about the tampons and the sport before you give birth and find out what he or she expects.  Since you are having a large baby, remember that there is a higher risk that you will need a c-section, and with all that, you definately can't work out for at least 6 weeks because it can cause your incision to open and your stomach muscles will need time to heal as they can get separated.  Talk to your doctor.  Good luck and congratualtions on the baby! :)
~Andrea