Is it normal to still be having afterpains weeks after giving birth?

[SleepingWithABrokenHeart]

They're not constant, but I still do get them occasionally and they really hurt. A few days after giving birth I had a huge blood clot, the midwife said as long as my bleeding didn't get any heaving I should be fine, well it didn't but last night I started to feel mm odd down below and this morning I had another blood clot (only small), and this is 3 weeks on..

I had after pains till about week 8! Bearing in mind, my lochia had stopped after two weeks, and I'd already had a period, so it was a little odd.

I was mostly mix feeding at the start, but my week 8 we were doing a lot more breastfeeding which I think is why my after pains were worse then.

Are you still getting lochia as well, or was it just a clot?

After-pains have nothing to do with lochia/passing clots. They are what you feel (if you're unlucky/have had several children before) as your uterus contracts back down to its pre-pregnancy size.

The more children you've had, the harder your muscles have to work to contract the uterus, and the more it hurts. They are often particularly strong during breastfeeding - just try to remember that your waistline will improve because of them!

Passing clots can also feel a bit unpleasant/tender, particularly if they've been sat inside you weighing down for a bit - you might feel a bit achy, almost. If in doubt, ring your midwife/gp, but unless they're much bigger than a golf ball, they're almost certainly nothing to worry about - tho that doesn't mean they're not uncomfortable!

Sometimes my blood can be quite stringy, is that lochia? sorry tmi!

It was def blood clot, I've had 3 so far, my 3rd tonight.