The day you leave the hospital with your new baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. It is also normal to feel anxious and nervous about bringing your newborn home, especially if this is your first child.
UPMC Magee-Womens caring staff will help you anticipate and navigate any challenges. From newborn discharge instructions to car seats for newborns, we'll provide the information you need for bringing newborn home with confidence.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Organizing your baby's clothes and supplies at home can help ease the transition from hospital to home.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
