UPDATED -- Lochia: what is the definition of "foul odor"?

[Curlita]

I'm trying not to freak out (post partum hormones + anxiety disorder + feeling crummy = freaking out, often for no good reason), but I'm a little worried about my lochia. I've read that it should smell musty or earthy or like normal menstrual blood... mine smells very strong and sweet. I called the L&D nurses last night and they were fairly reassuring as long as I didn't have anything oozing out of my stitches or a fishy odor. But I'm really not feeling 100% confident here...

I lost a LOT of blood after delivery, so I'm weak and on iron and feeling crummy anyhow. I'm anxious about lochia anyway, because it's more blood lost that I can't afford to lose. When the post partum bleeding wouldn't stop after the birth, there was some discussion about having the midwife check my uterus for clots. I don't want anyone's hand in my uterus! Fortunately, it slowed down, but.... well, I am fretful.

[DeChRi]

I dont know anything about this but just wanted to offer hugs for your worries. I'm in anxiety land myself so can empathize. I passed a few clots the last day or two and it freaked me out. Let us know what you figure out!

[monocyte]

i think what your smelling is ok - I think it would be a horrible smell (more like a sick smell - ever smell a kid with a bad case of streps breath...?)

i know what its like to loose a lot of blood as well, it sucks. i think it can make anyone paranoid..I sure was!

[Isaac'sMa]

Erica,
First off, congrats on your birth! Sorry you're feeling crummy...I think the smell you're smelling is within normal. I think fishy or rotten food/meat odor would qualify as "foul smelling". If you're worried though, don't wait until your two week check-up, try to get in sooner.

And anyway, who can see their own stitches?! : Not me! That doesn't qualify as a helpful response from a nurse in my book. I prefer to keep my legs closed as tightly as possible so that those suckers heal up the way they should!

[Curlita]

UPDATE

I called the midwives and they were reassuring. As long as no fever, no tenderness in abdomen, then nothing to worry about. Told me to take it easy and if I'm still worried to come in Monday. Just having them listen and not act alarmed made me feel better.

I am officially going to stop worrying about my lochia now.

Thanks for posting, mamas.