Making the most of your postpartum hospital stay

If you are planning to have your baby in hospital, the length of time you stay in hospital after birth will typically range between 4 hours and 5 days. This will all depend on where you have your baby, your model of care, your birth, your postnatal and feeding experience, and the follow up you have available once you’re discharged.

Some new families can’t wait to get home and start their new lives with a new family member, while others are eager for all the support and advice they can get before they set off on their own.

Whatever your preference and however long you stay, here are some tips on how to make the most of that time.

Making the most of your care providers

Take the opportunity to have as much (or as little) advice and demonstrations as you need while you have the access to 24 hour support.

It’s okay to ask for a ‘do not disturb’ period when you want a chance to rest.

Remember your right to informed decision-making extends to the postpartum period.

To minimise disturbances during the night, buzz/call your care provider in to do observations or give medications (if necessary) while you’re already awake.

Making the most of your visitors

Ask about your hospital’s visiting hours and restrictions so that none of your vistors are turned away.

Keep in mind that this very early postpartum period can be a vulnerable time, when you and your baby are learning about each other, yourselves and your needs. Consider which people (if any) you are willing to let into this time.

Making the most of day 1

It’s not unusual for babies to have a bigger sleep period soon after birth, once they’ve had their first feed. If your baby will let you, I encourage you to take this chance to rest yourselves! Settle into your postpartum room, turn down the lights and close your eyes for a while.

Your body will be working to replenish the energy it used during birth, so keep well hydrated and eat as you are able. It’s also a good idea to empty your bladder at least every 3-4 hours – this will help keep your bleeding to a minimum.

Making the most of day 2

If your baby is breastfeeding, they will likely ‘clusterfeed’ on day 2, meaning they will want to feed LOTS (especially overnight). Every 1-2 hours is normal. Make sure your latch feels comfortable, and ask for tips as many times as you need them if it doesn’t.

Time between feeds can be valuable time to rest, since they will often be unsettled during the night as well. If you’re having any visitors, consider keeping their visits short and sweet!

This day can be a good opportunity to get some tips from your midwife on settling your baby.

Making the most of day 3

It is common for ‘baby blues’ to start on this day for many women. It’s thought that the massive hormonal shift within the body following pregnancy, coinciding with the accumulated lack of sleep from birth and the first two days are what cause this. Altogether this makes a nice recipe for feeling overwhelmed, teary, anxious and fragile.

I often recommend reserving any visitor spots on this day for people who can fill your cup, give you love, who you can be vulnerable with, or who will be happy for your to cancel their visit if you need to catch up on sleep instead.

Making the most of discharge day

Check that you and your care providers are on the same page with what day you can expect to be discharged from the hospital, and roughly what time you might be leaving. It’s often not first thing in the morning!

You should be told what follow-up you can expect, plus any local services that are available if needed (e.g. feeding support, early childhood check-ins). Lastly, make sure you feel confident in what medical red flags to look for in both mum and baby, and how to get help if you’re concerned.