sorry for TMI but stinky blood...?

[JoRichardson35]

Hi ladies, sorry for the TMI but I am 11 days post elective c section and have been bleeding since (as expected) links then yellowy, then pinky then cloudy dark pink that smells like a cross between a sewer and like something has died in my pants...
Is this normal?? My wound is sore (again as expected) and I have a hard lump that runs the full length of it above the wound. The midwife said she thinks this is just a blood clot and that it will go away on it's own.
But the smell??? Is this normal or is this sign of a possible infection? I've got the health visitor coming tomorrow so will be asking her, but would like to hear if any of you have had this, if it is nothing or something to worry about as, if it is an infection, am I risking an infection passing through my milk to LO?
Blimey this motherhood lark is worrisome! :S

Nope, not normal. Can you ring the postnatal ward and go and get it checked tonight?

Oh, and no, it won't pass through your milk.

I agree - you need to get it checked out but I think you can still feed.
Can you ring the midwives out of hours?

Either postnatal ward or 111 this evening. You need to be examined, swabs etc and antibiotics. You could become very unwell if you ignore it but is simply treated if you get help now. Congratulations btw

You may have an infection in your uterus.
It is very, very important that you get this checked asap a you may need a scan and antibiotics.
If you develop a fever and flu-like symptoms you must go to A&E.

Thanks ladies, phoning the postnatal ward now x

Just spoken to them and they've told me to take my temperature and if it's above 37.2C to call the doc out, (it's dead on 37.2C) if not, go see GP first thing in the morning. So going to call them first thing and get in to see them.
Thanks for the help ladies! x

I am amazed at the advice you were given to be honest. Regardless of your temp you need antibiotics as offensive lochia (postnatal blood loss) is a major indicator of infection or retained products (placenta or membranes). I know no-one wants to take unnecessary antibiotics but you certainly don't want to be re-admitted. Have you been discharged by the midwives?

Reikizen are you medically qualified? She has had medical advice, it is dangerous to contradict it on here.

I had smelly discharge and a lump on my wound and yes I had an infection. I became very poorly very quickly, I'd ring the out of hours doctor now rather than later.

My first section would hurt and was very smelly and it was infected, my second wound was never sore, uncomfortable yes but never sore. I didn't have a temperature either. Try phoning again, do they have a maternity triage where you are?

Hi ladies, have just spoken to doc via 111 NHS direct and he's brilliantly faxing a prescription to my chemist so my husband can collect it this evening :) didn't think it was worth the risk leaving til morning as, as you've said, infections can turn nasty quickly and I can't risk my health when caring for LO.
Thanks for the advice ladies :) xxx

Had a thought - antibiotics usually cause thrush which can be passed through breast milk. Should I put him on formula to protect him?

I think it is very unlikely that you need to put your baby on formula if you are intending to breast feed. He won't get that much antibiotic through the breast milk.

Even with antibiotics you need to be examined by someone who knows what they are doing. Your c.section records should be checked to see whether there is any doubt about the completeness of placenta and membranes.

You should probably have vaginal and wound swabs done too.

As an ex-midwife (albeit many years ago) I agree with reikizen.

It's not passing the antibiotics to him that I'm worried about as doc has said that they're fine for BF, it's that I usually get thrush after antibiotics and worry about passing thrush to him through BF :(

I would just take your meds and see if babe develops any symptoms. It's not an indication to stop breast feeding. If babe does develop oral thrush it can be easily treated with oral drops. Hope your feeling better soon x

It's not a given - I had antibiotics and both my babies needed antibiotics for the first days after birth. Both were bf and neither got thrush. Hope you feel better soon.

Jo with my doctor's encouragement I breast fed through the antibiotics.

Get some canesten alongside the abx. Talk to your pharmacist about best application postnataly.

Just keep an eye out for itchy, shiny nipples and wash hands thouroghly after application.

Keep on feeding. :)

Are you still passing clots?

Thanks ladies :) I'm going to see my gp this morning to get thrush treatment so I can take with antibiotics as a preventative measure xx