Does anyone know if I can stay on?

[Cherryblossomsinspring]

I'm due dc3 at the end of the year and I'll have 3 under 3 when he/she arrives. I had dc2 in September and she was born at 4 am and they had me checked out if hospital by 10 am. I don't want to rush home this time. I'd like a day with new baby before going home. Does anyone know if you can request to stay longer?

Assuming no complications of course!

Well you can ask, but it depends on bed availability and staffing.

Ideally you should be able to stay in to ensure all is well and feeding is going to plan (especially if breastfeeding) but given the pressures on beds and staff you may be encouraged to go home, knowing that the community midwife will be visiting.

Not quite the same but I had dc1 in hospital then transferred to mlu for breastfeeding support - worth a try?

I could ask about that! I'm with a mlu team as it is but have opted for the hospital.

Hmm.. Depends on how busy the ward is I guess. At my local hospital, they are quick to 'chuck you out' as it's very busy!

I only stayed in for one night after a c-section with my son.

As due in the winter I'd guess you can stay longer - far more babies are born in the spring and summer, so that's when they're under pressure. I had mine in December and asked to stay for 3 days, which was agreed to. Only one other woman gave birth on the same day - it was like a ghost ward!

I was set on a mlu birth but a (resolved naturally) ectopic heartbeat meant the consultant strongly suggested a hospital birth (they're a few miles apart here). It was also her idea that I transfer over after the birth

I transferred to a mlu after the birth and stayed there for two nights. Entirely my choice, everyone could stay for up to 3 days and nights after the birth.

With dd2, (dec baby) they said I could be discharged after 6 hours. I asked if I could stay till bf was established and they agreed. Came home the next day x

God I would never ask to stay longer......im hoping to be in 2 nights at the most after planned section. X

If they won't let you, would there be any chance of you and the newborn having a night in a nice hotel? Bit more relaxing than the hospital. The OH might agree to babysit the others...

(As I've not had my first yet, I realise that my suggestion might sound very naive to those who've been through it - don't burst my bubble if so!!!)

Scarednoob, it actually sounds like bliss!

I was happy to go home last time within 6 hrs but this time ill be coming home to a 1 yr old and a 2 yr old. With my last one I remember because they were chucking me out so soon they left me in the birthing room alone with baby till check out and it was so peaceful and lovely having a nap and spending some time with just my new baby for the few hrs completely on my own (hubby had to rush off to work for a few hrs).

That's what I want this time. Before the chaos of the house.

I was allowed to stay for longer with babies 4 and 5 because I had such a big and young family. Long time ago now though.

Good luck