Bleeding 19 days post birth

[MoshiMoshi]

After the birth of my fourth child my postnatal bleeding stopped after about a week. After a few days, it then reappeared intermittently afterwards and has done since then. At first I assumed it was a result of overdoing things and exacerbating the bleeding / not allowing sufficient rest for healing. Now I am wondering if this is the case of whether it could possibly be the return of my period? I had assumed it would be far too early, especially as I am breastfeeding exclusively (at least 7 or 8 times a day throughout the day roughly 3-hourly and then 4-hourly at night), but have no idea whether postnatal bleeding should be like this. I seem to recall with my other babies that it had a clear ending to it. If anybody has any idea I'd be really grateful to hear as I don't really want to sit waiting in the doctor's surgery with my four children (exposing my newborn to yukky illnesses) waiting for a response from my doctor to this question...

Recurrence of bleeding after it's stopped for over three days should be investigated because it can be a sign of a uterine infection. Do you have a fever or feel generally unwell?

PS Birth was natural with no tears. Bleeding is fairly bright - ie seems to be fresh blood (sorry if TMI but as this is the childbirth bit of MN hopefully you won't be too grossed out!) Thanks for any responses.

wmmc - no I am not currently feverish, although the week after birth I did have some virus which seems to be doing the rounds which is worse than a cold but not quite the flu eg fever, headaches, cough. Coincided with the cases of swine flu being reported so had a brief moment of panic when I thought I had it but realised I had not come into contact with anybody from Mexico...

I was going to say that I bled for a good 3 weeks so dont worry, but then read your posting on it looking fresh (the blood, I mean). I think I'd get that checked out by the Dr if I were you.

if you're still technically under the care of the community midwives then give them a bell - it beats heading for the GP's surgery with your children.

ioh - hmmm, maybe you're right. It is not always bright, but has been on occasion. Oh God. It is so hard to tell with the leaks from coughing too (cough still lingering from aforementioned virus). Was your bleed on-off? I can hardly read my message myself with this graphic description of ny physical state

If you are within 28 days of birth you are entitled to call the community midwifery team rather than the GP.

It could be a period though - you never know. Is there any pain associated with the bleed? How heavy is it - if it is soaking through a pad in less than two hours you need to get seen pronto.

gw - yes, probably worth a try although I have been discharged and when the last midwife came and I mentioned it to her she looked a bit clueless and agreed with me it could have been as a result of me overdoing things.

wmmc - no, it is not that heavy. Am talking pantyliners here. There is a drop in clinic where I can see the midwives tomorrow afternoon so perhaps that is the best option for me... Can also get DD weighed at same time...

spot on - I've also learned [the hard way] not to give medical professionals my 'hunch' on what's wrong with me or the dcs. They just nod and do nothing.

that clinic thing sounds like a good plan

Found this link with much useful information!

Thank you all for your replies. Much appreciated!

My bleed was kind of on and off, but only off for about a day really (when I suddenly became enthusiastic that it was all over and stopped wearing pads only to discover my body had fooled me again!) and that was towards the end. With both my DC I was about 3 weeks - in fact, probably longer with DC2.

Also, my period started after 6 wks with DD (1st child), but with DS (11weeks old on Sat) I still haven't started, so what your having could be a period. I'd still get it checked out though - drop in centre to mw sounds good.