Final answer:
The light yellow-cream color lochia that lasts from 10-21 days postpartum is known as lochia alba. It succeeds lochia rubra and serosa, marking the final stage of postpartum vaginal discharge and indicating healing at the placental attachment site.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lochia that is light yellow-cream in color and lasts 10-21 days postpartum is identified as lochia alba. After the initial period of lochia rubra, which is the thick, dark red discharge lasting 2-3 days postpartum, the next stage is lochia serosa. Lochia serosa is a thinner, pinkish discharge that typically continues until about the tenth postpartum day. Following lochia serosa, lochia alba begins, characterized by its light yellow-cream color and may continue for another 1-2 weeks, signaling that the site of placental attachment has healed.