I'm going to discharge myself after c-section, can I be stopped?

[SingingWren]

I'm having a c-section on Tuesday, I've been informed by a midwife that my partner will have to leave straight after the c-section. I was tested for Covid19 at their request, so why not test birthing partners too, surely if both test negative, there is no risk on the wards?

My c-section is at 9am, once catheter is out and I'm confident baby and I are fine, I plan on discharging us both and going home to be with partner, where I will undoubtedly get more rest, more help and be far more comfortable.

This may be very late at night obviously, so I'm wondering if they can actually stop me? Surely they can't keep me there if I demand to be let home? Has anyone done this?

Sounds irrational, but I've had two friends give birth at the same hospital in the last month. Both had horrific experiences, short staffed, buzzers ignored etc, both really struggled. Any advice appreciated.

[Bmidreams]

I think you'd be mad to, but I 100% agree with why.

[LochJessMonster]

I'm confident baby and I are fine surely that would be when the trained professional says you and baby are fine? Rather than when you decide?

My question would be, if you go home and god forbid complications happen to you or baby would you be still happy to leave early?

[Bmidreams]

A doctor probably won't see you or baby until at least a day later.

[Happycow]

IIRC baby can’t leave until discharged by a doctor - so you would be leaving your baby .

But I totally understand why you want to!

[SuddenArborealStop]

Testing your partner won't help cos he will leave the hospital and could come back with it

[BrennieGirl]

I think you're underestimating what a major operation a c section is.

[mathanxiety]

You are deluded if you think you'll be able to even walk after your major abdominal surgery.

What are you going to do about pain relief and how is your scar going to be checked?

Seriously, you really need to rethink this.

[SingingWren]

@LochJessMonster At what point do they decide baby is ok? Surely if there are issues they would be apparent pretty quickly. Obviously if there were any issues, no matter how minor, I would not leave.

[skylarkdescending]

Is it your first birth? And your first c section?

I completely understand your reasoning behind not wanting to hang around on postnatal but have you considered the effects of surgery on your body/mental health?

How are you planning to feed baby?

[ButterflyWitch]

First baby? I can understand your thinking but I think in practice there's lots of reasons you may not wish to. Are you planning to bf? I think it would be sensible to at least plan for one night in hospital

[ButterflyWitch]

First baby? I can understand your thinking but I think in practice there's lots of reasons you may not wish to. Are you planning to bf? I think it would be sensible to at least plan for one night in hospital

[retractionOfaffection]

Someone I know did this. She was able to take the baby too but she did have the community midwife turn Up very early the next morning

[Standardy]

Have you had a c section before OP?

[skylarkdescending]

Iirc a newborn check is usually completed within 24hrs so your baby won't be able to leave until that is done at least.

[skylarkdescending]

Iirc a newborn check is usually completed within 24hrs so your baby won't be able to leave until that is done at least.

[SingingWren]

I've had a csection, and was mobile and fine after 8 hours.

[SauvignonBlanche]

If you have capacity you can leave whenever you want, discharging your baby would be a different matter.

[SunbathingDragon]

You realise that your 9am scheduling night mean your baby isn’t actually born until 5pm due to changes and emergencies? Then that the spinal will affect your ability to walk for a lot longer than it might take for sensation to come back and the catheter to be removed?

I’ve had four c sections and being able to safely walk took hours. Much better painkillers are available at the hospital as well. At the very least, make sure you have some decent painkillers at home so you aren’t in agony.

[Nubbin]

I had a c section last Fri (lunch) - went home Sat morning. I saw post surgery doctor, paediatrician, hearing person all on Sat morning. One night doesn't really make any odds - and much better to have the all clear.

[skylarkdescending]

Ask them about enhanced pathways. My second c section I was out in 24hrs. 9am surgery, left same time next day, DH allowed to stay all night. But that was pre Covid.

[Zofloramummy]

They are under no obligation to read it or treat you for any complications if you self discharge. You as an adult can make that choice, however if your baby hasn’t been assessed and discharged by the doctor you can’t take them home.

I stayed in 2 nights after my section and I needed that time to establish feeding, yes it was crap and I was in isolation as the hospital was shut with norovirus, no visitors, so I really get it. But just grit your teeth and you’ll be home soon enough, they don’t keep you in a second longer than they have to.

[elliejjtiny]

I've not done this myself, mainly because when they took the catheter out I could barely shuffle down the ward to the toilet, I don't think I would have been able to make it to the car. Completely understand how you feel though, I got so much more rest and looking after at home.

[Snailsetssail]

As others have said you can’t take baby home until they have had their newborn check and hearing check and been discharged. This can take up to 24 hours. If baby has any jaundice you may have to stay a few days while they are monitored or have treatment.

I would plan to be staying in for at least one night, that way it won’t be so disappointing when it happens.

[Feelingpoorlysick]

I'm guessing this is your first? When I had a section they didn't remove the catheter until 4am the next morning and I didn't even attempt to get out of bed until later that day. I stayed in 2 nights which is the norm around here.

[SingingWren]

So discharging baby is not allowed? They have to let me go but would keep baby despite my requests?