Discharging yourself from hospital

[doodlethepoodle]

Had baby yesterday. It was an induction as the baby was showing as large. The day before induction we thought my waters had gone. However during labour my waters were broken
I was treated with antibiotics throughout labour as a precaution.
The delivered a 9lb baby with gas and air and have a first degree tear that doesn't require any treatment.

Since having the baby, he is feeding well (very well!!) and is seemingly doing well. He was born at 7 and we have been told we will have to stay a further 24 hours until the hospital will discharge us.

It is so busy, noisy and we aren't being checked so it does seem pointless being here. My husband would be able to help st home and I think the toilets etc more hygienic than the hospital. Of course the slightest sniff of a problem and we would be back.

I want to discharge myself tomorrow morning. Does anyone know if this is possible after childbirth?

You can do what you like, it's a hospital not a jail.
Hospital are under huge pressure though and do not keep people in unless there's a good reason to though so seems strange they're just keeping you there unless there's a reason you're not saying about?

It may be that they will discharge you tomorrow morning anyway. Speak to your midwifes on the ward (use the call button if necessary) and they will be able to help. As pp said they won't keep you in if it's not necessary.

Also from experience it can take a while for the paperwork to be completed once they have decided to discharge you so worthwhile getting in early with the change of shift when the day midwifes start.
Congratulations

Meant to say there are various checks that they have to do before baby is discharged, such as checking for jaundice etc. Though it doesn't sound like this should be an issue if baby is feeding well but if the levels are on the high side the it can be very dangerous for baby as such I would be wary of discharging myself without the midwifes approval. I nearly did when I had my DD and she ended up having to go under lights as she had jaundice. I know it's tough being in hospital but you will soon be home and able to enjoy cuddles and quiet time with your baby.

Congratulations!

I remember being in your situation so well, it was mentally much worse than child birth for me. I actually googled this very same question! But I came to the understanding that they want to do lots of checks on the baby before being discharged, so it was easier in the long run to stay and have them done. I only ended up staying the one night, thankfully, but I was told I'd be discharged that day in the morning but wasn't actually discharged until 4pm. It was a Sunday and they had to wait for my iron count results though. As others have said, be onto them about discharge ASAP in the morning and then get your OH to keep checking their progress, but make sure that you do all of this in a kind/pleasant manner because you need those MWs on side to get to the top of the discharge list!

Enjoy your new baby.