Discharging a newborn

[btbtbt]

I've been told if I discharge myself from hospital after my birth (yesterday) I cannot discharge my newborn as well. Is this true? He is perfectly healthy, they want to keep us on a hot and noisy ward until tomorrow to 'keep an eye on him' due to him being 2 days premature.. he is feeding amazingly well, pooing and weeing, sleeping well. I have not slept one single hour for 4 days and I'm going to walk out. Will they make child services aware? Please help

If they're medical professionals and are recommending that your child stays in hospital for one more day, I'd follow that advice.

As the previous poster has said I would take their advice as frustrating as it is

I would follow medical advice. They won't be keeping you in for the sake of it

Oh god I was in your position and would have crawled over hot coals to get out of there. I felt like death warmed up from lack of sleep, you have my sincere sympathy.

Tell them that the hot noisy ward is making you ill and that you’ll happily stay if you’re able to sleep but otherwise you feel staying is putting your physical and mental health at risk. I kicked off and I really am not the type.

As soon as I got home I felt worlds better

It’s crap but it’s for the best, they’re not saying this to keep you hostage (I had 4 months in NICU with prem twins so I know you can feel like one sometimes!) but they have to be in good and clear conscience that your baby is well enough to be discharged.

If you feel that there’s no obvious reason try and collar your son’s doctor when they’re doing the rounds and ask them to explain their reasoning - don’t be afraid to speak up and state why you feel you’re both ready for home but do listen to what they have to say (even if it’s different to what you would like).

I had to fight to get my DD home (different circumstances as she had major health setbacks) but I knew when she was ready and thankfully (with the help of the NICU nurses) I was able to convince them that it was the right time with level headed facts.

Congratulations on your baby @btbtbt try to hang in there with remaining in hospital if that’s what is advised .

@CountryCasual did you end up leaving off your own accord or did they discharge you?

@btbtbt

They discharged us, miraculously so as DS was induced at 37 weeks. I kept pushing to be discharged the day after he was born, from very early morning I was on it about going home. They had no concerns about DS or me and we lived close by, I assured them DH would bring us straight back if there were any issues x

I would follow their advice, as frustrating as it may be. Why dont you speak to one of the midwives and tell them it's too hot and noisy and ask them if you can move beds / have a fan / etc.

In the midst of a pandemic, surely it's safer for you and especially baby to be at home? I'd bring that up.

What weight is he? If he's breathing well (duh, otherwise baby wouldn't be with you), eating and weeing/pooing well and there were no major complications at birth, I'd discharge the newborn now and otherwise tell them they're putting you and baby at risk. 4 days is plenty to keep an eye on a baby. Whatever will happen now that didn't happen in the past 4 days?

I have been discharged after demanding several times to speak to the co ordinator who confirmed that the needs to leave outweigh the needs to stay :) I understand they know best but when you know something's wrong, follow your instinct!

@kikibo my points exactly... couldn't believe I was being fobbed off but finally got somewhere:)

Good news @btbtbt I’m so happy to read you’re both on your way home, hope you can enjoy some peace (well whatever peace you can get with a newborn of course) and congratulations again on your baby boy