How Soon After Birth Can You Go Home?
The typical hospital stay after a vaginal birth without complications is 24 to 48 hours after delivery. If you have a cesarean birth (C-section), you'll likely stay for two to four days after giving birth.
New mothers who had delivery complications like excessive bleeding may need to stay in the hospital longer. You may also stay an extra day or two if you delivered more than one baby. Your doctor and health insurance company will determine how long you should stay.
You may wish to head home sooner, but it's wise to stay in the hospital as long as possible. Your body needs time to rest and recover so you can care for your newborn at home. Spending extra time in the hospital also allows you to take advantage of breastfeeding and other support.
Keep in mind if your baby is premature or has health problems, they may need extra time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after you leave the hospital.
Most discharges take place between 10 a.m. and noon. Your doctor and your baby's doctor will visit and officially discharge both of you.
A nurse will review your discharge instructions and ask you to sign them. Then, they will take you to the main hospital entrance in a wheelchair. Your support person can arrive by 9 a.m. to carry your belongings to the car.
Leaving the Hospital
You shouldn't drive for at least one week after a vaginal birth or two weeks after a C-section. Therefore, you must have a partner, family member, or support person drive you and your baby home.
Make sure you have the following items ready for your travel home and the first few days with your baby.
A car seat for infants
Pa. law says we can only discharge your newborn if you have an appropriate infant car seat. After your baby is born, you can bring your car seat to the maternity unit. That way, it will be there when you are discharged.
These safety guidelines will help keep your baby safe in the car:
- Children should always ride in a car seat that has been dynamically crash-tested and complies with Federal Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Look for this information on the car seat itself.
- Place the car seat in the middle of the second row, if possible.
- Always keep the car window nearest to your baby closed and locked.
- Never place a rear-facing seat in front of a passenger-side airbag.
- Never leave your baby unattended in a car.
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, or at least until age two. Check your car seat owner's manual for the maximum height and weight recommendations for a rear-facing seat.
Before your due date arrives, have your car seat or infant seat base checked by a local certified passenger safety technician. They can ensure it meets safety standards and that you've installed it correctly. Your doctor or other UPMC staff member may be able to provide referral information.
Clothing for your newborn
Newborns don't need an extensive wardrobe, especially for their first trip home. Pack one or two options that you can layer depending on the weather and keep the rest at home. A onesie or soft pajamas with feet are comfortable and easy to get into and out of when they need a diaper change.
Depending on the season, your baby may need a sweater or jacket. You'll need to remove bulky coats or clothing before putting your baby into a car seat. In a crash, puffy clothing will flatten out, allowing your child to slip out of their car seat.
Consider bringing a baby blanket or car seat cover instead of a bulky coat. It's best to dress your baby in light layers with a blanket. If the layers get too warm, you can remove one or two. If it is chilly, you can add a blanket (over the car seat's five-point harness).
Newborns can lose heat quickly from their heads. Bring a hat for them to wear in the car, especially if it's cold outside.
Many people tend to overdress their babies at first, but they can get overheated just as you do. Use your best judgment and dress your baby as you would, then add a layer if it's cold. And for yourself, choose comfortable clothing with a drawstring or elastic waist because you won't fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes yet.
Other necessary supplies
Organizing your baby's clothes and supplies at home can help ease the transition from hospital to home.
- If you plan to bottle-feed your baby, purchase at least eight bottles and nipples, plus a bottle and nipple brush for cleaning.
- If you're feeling formula, your physician may recommend a special formula for your baby, so it is best to wait to purchase infant formula. We will provide enough to get you started.
- Provide a safe place to sleep because newborns sleep as much as 17 hours a day. Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a mattress that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards. Always keep their sleep space free of blankets, pillows, pads, bumpers, or toys.
- Stock up on diapers. Your baby will use 250 to 300 disposable diapers in the first month. They'll probably fit best in newborn-sized diapers, but have some size one diapers on hand, too. If you plan to use cloth diapers, have at least four dozen on hand.
- Wash all baby clothes, washcloths, towels, and bedding with a gentle detergent a few weeks before your due date.
What to Expect In Your New Routine
Although every new parent has a different experience, all would agree that life changes significantly once your baby arrives. You will quickly learn that newborns demand most of your time.
Being flexible and kind to yourself is essential because your regular routine will have to pause for a while. Be sure to accept any help offered by friends or family for meals, household help, or babysitting if you have other children.
Once you settle your baby in at home, your new routine will involve:
- Changing diapers — Your newborn will wet or soil their diaper every two to three hours.
- Feeding your baby — Newborns get hungry every two to three hours.
- Napping whenever possible — New parents are sleep-deprived. It may take two to three months before your baby sleeps five to six hours at a time.
- Watching your baby to ensure they stay healthy and happy — Babies can't tell you when something is wrong, so it is crucial to look for warning signs like fever or difficulty waking them to feed. For peace of mind, make sure you have an after-hours emergency contact number for your health care provider.
What is the hardest week with a newborn?
Each week with a newborn brings new adventures and challenges. And every baby is different. At first, you'll run on joy and adrenaline, but that tends to fade as sleep deprivation builds. Many say the third or fourth weeks with a newborn are the hardest, though some will start consolidating their nighttime sleep by then, giving you longer stretches.
During this time:
- You may feel exhausted and still surprisingly sore as your body recovers from childbirth. It takes about six weeks for your body to heal.
- You may feel frustrated by breastfeeding challenges. A lactation consultant can help you and your baby get on track.
- Most new mothers experience an emotional rollercoaster as pregnancy hormones drop, but this will subside in a few more weeks.
- About one in seven new mothers develop symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD), strong feelings of sadness or anxiety starting a few weeks after giving birth. PPD makes it hard to care for your baby, so it's vital to tell your doctor and take care of yourself.
- You may feel a sense of chaos because you miss your usual routine and self-care.
The good news is that things will get easier as the weeks pass. Before you know it, you and your baby will develop a new routine. As your baby grows, they will eat more but less often and sleep longer, giving you a much-needed break.
What are the hardest months with a baby?
Every baby is different. You may face hard times in the beginning or when your baby starts having sleep regressions as they develop new skills. Those first few months full of snuggles and contact naps are the best for some, while for others, they're the hardest.
About one-fifth of babies develop colic, extended periods of fussiness and inconsolable crying, often in the evening or at night. It can start as early as the second week of life, but many parents report it worsens during the sixth week. For parents with colicky babies, the second and third months with a new baby are often the hardest.
Experts are unsure what causes colic, and there is no test to diagnose it. Food sensitivities or excess gas might worsen it. If your baby is very fussy, it's important to talk to your doctor so they can rule out any illnesses.
There is no treatment for colic. It tends to improve over time and usually goes away by the time your baby is four months old.
If your baby develops colic, these things may help:
- Burp your baby during and after feedings.
- Check their diaper and change it if needed.
- Give your baby a warm bath.
- Go for a drive in the car. Make sure your baby is safe and secure in their car seat.
- Go for a walk with your baby in the stroller.
- If breastfeeding, try eliminating foods that may bother your baby's digestive tract, such as caffeine, dairy products, and gas-producing vegetables like cabbage or cauliflower. Eliminate one food at a time to see if it helps.
- If you are formula feeding, ask your doctor if a different type of formula might help.
- Pat or rub your baby's back. Massage their belly with your hands or by bending their knees into their middle to try to release some gas.
- Rock your baby or put them in a swing or vibrating chair.
No matter what challenges you face with your newborn or what questions you have, it's vital to ask for help. Parenting is hard work, especially if it is new to you. Our team of experts is always available to provide information, resources, and support throughout this new journey.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.