How Many Days is Postpartum? Here's the Explanation According to the Shafi'i School

Dream – How many days is postpartum? This question may arise for some Muslim women. Postpartum is the bleeding that occurs after a woman gives birth.

The duration of postpartum varies from woman to woman. Some experience a short postpartum period, while others experience a longer postpartum period.

Postpartum refers to the period after a woman gives birth where she releases blood, mucus, and tissue from her uterus.

This is part of the healing process after childbirth. The duration of postpartum varies from woman to woman, but generally, postpartum lasts about 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth.

So, what is the explanation of postpartum according to the Shafi'i school? Read the full explanation below as summarized by Dream from various sources.

How Many Days is Postpartum?

According to the Shafi'i school, there are three types of postpartum periods experienced by women. The three types of postpartum periods are the fastest postpartum period, the average postpartum period, and the longest postpartum period.

In the book Kifayatul Akhyar, Taqiyuddin Al-Hishni explains that the shortest postpartum period is one day, the longest is 60 days, and the average postpartum period lasts for 40 days.

“The shortest postpartum period is one day, the longest is 60 days, and the average postpartum period lasts for 40 days.”

Generally 40 Days

In a hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi, which was authenticated by Al-Hakim, Ummu Salamah radhiyallahu 'anha narrated that generally women who give birth experience postpartum bleeding for 40 days.

During the postpartum period, Muslim women are prohibited from doing certain things, such as praying, fasting, reading the Quran, touching or carrying the mushaf, entering the mosque, performing tawaf, having sexual intercourse, and engaging in pleasurable activities between the navel and knees.

Longest Bleeding

Based on the research of scholars from the Shafi'i school, there are women who experience postpartum bleeding for 60 days. According to this school of thought, if the postpartum period exceeds 60 days, it is not considered postpartum bleeding but rather istihadhah bleeding.

“The longest postpartum period is 60 days based on field research.”

Meanwhile, the regulations for women in the postpartum period are based on qiyas (analogical reasoning) with women who are menstruating. In other words, the regulations for women who are menstruating also apply to women who are in the postpartum period.

Therefore, it is important to remember that the postpartum period differs for each woman, and there are several factors that can affect the duration of postpartum, including the type of delivery, health condition, and postpartum care.

If there are concerns about the postpartum period, it is always recommended to consult with medical professionals or experienced doctors.

Prohibitions During Postpartum from a Medical Perspective

In addition to Islamic law, there are prohibitions during the postpartum period from a medical perspective. Here are some things that are prohibited from a medical perspective:

1. Strenuous Exercise or Activities

Women who are in the postpartum period are usually physically and mentally weak. There are many changes in their bodies that drain their energy. Therefore, women in the postpartum period should not engage in strenuous activities, including intense exercise. If done, it can risk injury and bleeding.

2. Neglecting Genital Hygiene

Maintaining the health of the genital area is very important, especially during the postpartum period. One should not neglect to observe the cleanliness and health of the intimate organs.

3. Strict Diet

During the postpartum period, women are also prohibited from following strict diets without the supervision of a doctor. Strict diets will only worsen their health and can affect the nutrition of the baby.

4. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

During the postpartum period, women are prohibited from smoking and consuming alcohol. Both of these have a negative impact on their postpartum recovery. Smoking and alcohol can hinder breastfeeding production.

5. Spicy Food

Spicy food is not recommended for women in the postpartum period. This type of food is prone to causing diarrhea and infections due to frequent trips to the toilet. When the mother experiences diarrhea, the baby is also likely to experience the same.