A fishy smell while breastfeeding can stem from postpartum vaginal discharge (lochia), bacterial vaginosis (BV), or even your breast milk due to excess lipase, but often it's linked to hormonal shifts and increased sweating flushing out fluids. If the smell is accompanied by unusual discharge, itching, or fever, see a doctor for potential infection like BV or a uterine infection. If it's just stronger body odor, it's usually normal postpartum changes.
Hormone deficiency: Lower estrogen levels during perimenopause, menopause, breastfeeding, and cancer therapy can increase vaginal pH.
For some infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, urogenital trichomoniasis, or giardiasis), doses of 2g metronidazole are licensed, either as a single dose, or daily for a three-day course. Breastfeeding may continue during treatment, but infant monitoring is required.
Lochia usually has a fishy odor similar to menstruation. However, if the lochia has an unusual odor or strange odor, it may be due to an infection in the uterus or an infection due to a tear in the perineum during childbirth.
How long does postpartum body odor last? Everyone's postpartum recovery looks different. For some, the most noticeable odor fades within a few weeks to a few months. For others—especially those who are breastfeeding or experiencing ongoing hormone shifts—it may linger for up to a year.
Breastfeeding plays a role in postpartum body changes, including odor. Hormonal shifts related to lactation can ramp up sweat production, particularly in areas like the underarms and chest. The physical activity involved in nursing can also make you sweat more, intensifying odor in these areas.
The 5-5-5 rule is a guideline for what kind of help a postpartum mom needs: five days in bed, five days round the bed — meaning minimal walking around — the next five days around the home. This practice will help you prioritize rest and recovery while gradually increasing activity.
A fishy smell from your vagina can be caused by several factors such as sweating, a vaginal infection, your diet or poor hygiene. While some of these causes can be resolved at home, others may need medical treatment.
An imbalance of healthy bacteria in the vagina after birth can lead to postpartum bacterial vaginosis. This can be caused by poor hygiene practices, prolonged labor, or improper antibiotic use.
Change It Up. Changing your baby's diaper is a given, but don't forget about changing your own gear, too. If you're sweating more than usual, swapping out your undergarments or even your t-shirt a few times a day can stop odors from building up.
Some drinks that may improve vaginal health include cranberry juice, kefir, drinkable yogurt, coconut water, green tea, orange juice, and mango smoothies. If you have any new or uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, let your healthcare provider know so they can recommend treatment.
The "4-4-4 rule" for breast milk is a simple storage guideline: fresh milk is good for 4 hours at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C), for 4 days in the refrigerator (39°F/4°C or colder), and up to 4-6 months (or longer) in a standard freezer (0°F/-18°C). It's a handy mnemonic, though some organizations like the CDC recommend up to 6 months in the freezer and the AAP up to 9 months, with deeper freezers offering even longer storage.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection of the vagina that rarely goes unnoticed. It sometimes can be confused with a yeast infection or sexually transmitted disease, such as trichomoniasis, but it is not an STD.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath and soak for about 20 minutes. The vinegar can help neutralize odors and restore the natural pH balance of your vagina.
The 5-5-5 rule for breast milk is a simple guideline for storage: freshly expressed milk lasts up to 5 hours at room temperature, up to 5 days in the refrigerator, and up to 5 months in a standard freezer, though the CDC notes it can be frozen for up to 12 months for best quality within 6 months. Always label containers with the date and time, use small batches (2-4 oz), and place milk in the back of the fridge or freezer for consistent temperature.
FAQs About Postpartum Vaginal Firmness
Yes, but the degree of laxity varies. With appropriate care and treatments, it is possible to regain firmness.
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Other people may be able to smell BV during close physical contact, like sex. The strong, fishy odor caused by BV can sometimes be noticeable to partners, particularly during or after sex, when changes in vaginal pH can make the smell more intense.
Yes, bacterial vaginosis (BV) can sometimes go away on its own, as it's considered "self-limiting," but it's not recommended to wait, especially if you have symptoms, due to risks like increased susceptibility to STIs (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), and pregnancy complications (preterm birth, miscarriage). Medical treatment with antibiotics is usually suggested for symptomatic cases to prevent these serious health issues, particularly during pregnancy, say experts from the CDC and Cleveland Clinic.
Common causes of a fishy odour include poor hygiene, gingivitis, bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Advanced kidney or liver disease may also cause this condition.
Fishy vaginal odor can be due to infection, dehydration, sweat, hygiene practices, and a rare genetic condition like trimethylaminuria. Occasional changes in odor that resolve with hygiene are normal.
Most often, the postpartum period is the first six to eight weeks after delivery, or until your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state. But the symptoms and changes that occur during the postpartum period can last far beyond eight weeks.
The 40-day rule after birth, often called confinement or "The Golden Month," is a widespread cultural tradition emphasizing a mother's deep rest, healing, and bonding with her newborn, with family often handling chores and visitors, promoting physical recovery (like stopping bleeding) and mental well-being, rooted in ancient practices from Asia, Latin America, and religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity. Key aspects involve nourishing the mother, sheltering her from stress, and focusing solely on resting and bonding, a stark contrast to Western pressures to "bounce back" quickly.
In reality, the third week might be the hardest week postpartum, since everything seems to feel “normal,” but so much is happening at the same time. This being said, the third week will be an important week to focus on your mental health.