Is it possible to bleed to death from an extremely heavy period?

I had a c-section 6 weeks ago. I finally stopped bleeding from that 2 weeks ago. My period started Friday. I have been so sick and bleeding a whole lot. I am having to change my tampon and pad about every 1-2 hours. I called the nurse hotline yesterday, and I was told to go to the ER. My problem is I have a 6 week old baby and a 3 year old that I need to take care of, and I cannot really afford to go to the ER......is it possible that I can get worse? I am just trying to see if this will calm down...I personally think it is just a very heavy period.