The appearance of this type of Lochia (# of days of occurrence) is pink or brownish, watery and odorless

1. Lochia Serosa (3-4 days)

The appearance of this type of Lochia (# of days of occurrence) is pink or brownish, watery and odorless.

2. Lochia Alba (2-6 weeks)

The appearance of this type of Lochia (# of weeks of occurrence) is yellow to white, may have a slight stale odor.

3. Taking In

This is the psychological period of dependence, where the patient depends on the nurse to do everything for her.
Key Points:
- Therapeutic Sleep is needed
- Patient wants to talk about L&D
- Touches and explores the infant
- Relies on others for needs

4. Taking Hold

This is the psychological period where the patient becomes independent. The patient gets OOB, walks around, takes a shower, and feeds the baby.
Key Points:
- Obsessed with body functions
- Responds enthusiastically to opportunities to learn
- May suffer from mood swings
- Lack of sleep, and hormonal shifts may precipitate the blues.

5. Letting Go

This is the psychological period where the patient is home. They are able to go shopping, see relatives, resume a somewhat normal lifestyle.
Key Points:
- New Maternal roles
- May experience of feeling of being trapped, and wonder what life is about.