What is Postpartum Sepsis?
Childbirth is beautiful, holy, and honestly… a little wild. We picture cozy swaddles, newborn snuggles, and maybe even that elusive “new baby smell.” What we don’t usually picture? Complications like postpartum sepsis.
But here’s the truth: as moms, we need to know about it—not to scare us, but to equip us. Because when we’re informed, we’re empowered. And when we’re empowered, we can better care for ourselves and the little ones God has entrusted to us.
What Is Postpartum Sepsis?
Sepsis is when your body goes into overdrive responding to an infection. Instead of fighting off germs in a normal way, your body kind of hits the panic button and things start spiraling. After childbirth, we’re more vulnerable because, let’s face it, our bodies have been through a lot.
Some common causes of infection postpartum include:
C-section wounds
Tearing or stitches after vaginal birth
Retained placenta or tissue in the uterus
Urinary tract infections (oh, the joys of catheters)
Mastitis (that breast infection that makes you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck)
When these infections aren’t caught early, they can develop into sepsis. And sepsis is not something to ignore—it can be life-threatening.
The Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Brush Off
Here’s the tricky part: moms are pros at brushing things off. We’ll say, “Oh, I’m just tired,” or “It’s just the baby blues,” when in reality something serious is brewing.
So here are some red flags to watch for:
Fever or chills that don’t go away
Fast heartbeat or rapid breathing
Feeling confused, “out of it,” or just not yourself
Severe pain or swelling at an incision or tear site
Smelly vaginal discharge (yes, we’re going there—it’s important)
Feeling like something is “off” in a way you can’t shake
If you notice these, please, please don’t wait. Call your doctor or head to the ER. And if you’re the type to argue with yourself about whether it’s “serious enough,” imagine your best friend calling you with the same symptoms. You’d tell her to go get checked, right? Treat yourself with the same love.
Why It Matters Spiritually
Now here’s where we zoom out. It’s not just about medical facts—it’s about what God says about us.
1. Corinthians 6:19 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. That doesn’t mean we need to be perfect, polished temples (mine currently has dark circles, stretch marks, and let’s be honest, hasn’t seen a proper nap in weeks). But it does mean our bodies matter to God.
Sometimes as moms we unconsciously believe the lie that everyone else’s needs are more important than ours. But God doesn’t see it that way. He sees you as His beloved daughter. Taking care of your body isn’t selfish—it’s obedience. It’s saying, “Lord, I value what You’ve entrusted to me.”
A Little Humor Goes a Long Way
Because let’s be real: postpartum can get ridiculous. Like the time I showed up to the ER wearing pajama pants with spit-up stains and realized halfway through triage that I still had a breast pad stuck to my shirt. Not exactly a “Pinterest mom moment.”
But you know what? God gives us laughter as a kind of medicine too (Proverbs 17:22). Even in scary situations, being able to laugh—at ourselves, at the chaos—helps release the tension.
An Invitation To Share
If you’ve had a health scare postpartum, I’d love for you to share your story. Sometimes what feels embarrassing or scary to us might be the exact encouragement another mama needs. You never know how your story can be used to remind someone else that they’re not alone.
The Takeaway
So here it is, mama:
Know the signs of postpartum sepsis.
Don’t downplay your symptoms.
Remember your body is precious to God.
Laugh when you can.
Share your story to encourage someone else.
You are not just a caregiver. You are a beloved daughter of the King. Your health matters, your life matters, and you’re worth taking care of.
Next Steps
If reading this has you thinking, “Wow, there’s so much I didn’t know about postpartum,” you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created the Blessed Beginnings course. It’s a Christ-centered guide to help you prepare for postpartum—body, mind, and spirit—so you’re not blindsided by things like infections, emotional ups and downs, or the sheer exhaustion that can sneak up on you.
In it, we talk about both the practical (like how to recognize warning signs in your body) and the spiritual (like leaning on God’s promises when you feel weak). Think of it as sitting down with a friend who’s been there, coffee in hand, walking you through what to expect and how to invite God into every part of your recovery.
Don't waste your precious moments with your newborns worrying and googling everything. Prepare ahead so you can really soak in those moments that you can never get back!
I will see you around,
Celina