How long will I HAVE to stay in hospital?

[JontyDoggle37]

I'm not due for a few months yet, but one of the few things causing me anxiety is the thought of being stuck in hospital for more than 24 hours. Obviously if there are any complications etc I get no say and have to stay as long as I/baby needs, but if all goes ok, are there certain things the hospital want to see happen/ I should have a go at doing before we leave? I'm a first time mum, so I know I need to learn a few things, but at the same time the thought of being stuck in ultra-hot atmosphere, with no real privacy, unable to sleep even if the baby is quiet, with crap food and possibly people telling me I should breast feed even if I really don't want to is enough to give me the screaming Heebie-Jeebies. Any experience anyone can share?

[annielewis]

Have you considered a home birth OP? If you are a 'low risk' Preg they are quite likely to be happy for you to do that depending on where you live? Could be worth looking in to, especially if you're not comfy in a hospital which could actually inhibit you during labour anyway? Maybe read up on it as it has it's own list of pros and cons... Good luck!

[Rosa]

Lots of ideas/ suggestions etc but my advice is WAIT until you have had the baby,you have no idea how long you will be in labour and if you have any complications at all . Then after you have given birth dicuss with the midwives when you and the baby can go home. I hope that all goes smoothly for you both but you and the midwives have no idea on how you will be afterwards and you might need that extra bit of care . I would listen to your body and the professionals then decide.

[FoxSticks]

I've been very unlucky as both of my babies were whisked away from me and ended up in SCBU. I wouldn't have picked up the signs that they were unwell until much later than the midwives did if I'd been at home. I also don't think we'd have got breastfeeding right if we'd gone home. Having said that though our hospital is amazing, it just got the equivalent of outstanding in its hospital ofstead rating. The postnatal wards were noisy but the midwives and care assistants were amazing and there was lots of help at night to look after your baby. They even took them to give you a rest, if you couldn't settle them. That's how it was picked up that DS had a grunt in his breathing and was admitted to SCBU. He went on to be diagnosed witg group B strep and could have been very ill if the diagnosis had been made later

I second what others have said, don't make any decisions until your baby is here. You might feel fine to go or you might really appreciate the rest and extra help in hospital.