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Going home after the baby is born
In recent years, many new babies and moms leave the hospital within 48 hours of birth. There are many reasons for this trend, including requests from new moms to be at home with their babies and the need to cut hospital costs. With proper
follow-up at home, early discharge is safe. It may also offer psychological benefits to families.
When can babies and moms go home early (less than 48 hours after birth)?
Healthy, full-term babies can be discharged from hospital before they are 48 hours old, after a complete physical examination. These babies must have:
- a normal temperature
- two successful normal feedings
- urinated and passed a bowel movement
- ction and vitamin K
- received any necessary immunizations (such as hepatitis B)
- undergone screening tests to detect certain problems, such as hypothryroidism and PKU (a disease where the body cannot use phenylalanine, a naturally occurring amino acid essential for optimal growth of infants). If tests have not been done, arrangements should have been made for these to occur after discharge.
- Mothers are also checked to ensure that they are well, able to recognize illness in the baby, comfortable caring for the baby, and have mastered the basics of breastfeeding.
What should be in place before a baby is discharged early? New moms need training on how to properly care for the baby at home. This training usually occurs in the months before delivery and is reinforced after the baby is born. It includes advice and information about feeding, detecting jaundice,
dehydration, infection, and ensuring the baby has a safe ride home in an appropriate car seat. Before delivery, plans should be made for the baby's future health care. Moms should know how to access community services for routine baby care, breastfeeding support, and emergencies.
What should be done after the baby is sent home?
Within 48 hours of going home, babies should be assessed for weight, jaundice, feeding, and general health.
Any required screening tests should be completed. The doctor will also ask new parents questions about how the family is getting along. This assessment can be done at home, in the office or in a hospital clinic. If a baby needs to be readmitted to the hospital in the first week of life, the mother should have a room with or near the baby. This way, she can continue breastfeeding, and both mom and baby can continue to bond.
Source: Adapted from Facilitating Discharge home following a normal term birth, 1996. Reaffirmed in 2001.
This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Courtesy of Canadian Paediatric Society. Visit their Web site* for mmore information. (* Will open in a new window.)
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