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Original poster

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

231 replies

SingingWren · 17/07/2020 21:31

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.

OP posts:

heidiealice · 17/07/2020 22:48

Don't blame you op. If your hospital does 'fast recovery' you'll be up and on your feet with catheter out at 6 hours post op.

Fwiw my friend discharged herself (and baby) after birth. They got the Dr there to conduct newborn checks before she left.

winetime89 · 17/07/2020 22:49

I've threatened to do this twice but they were natural delivery and as soon as I've said I was doing a self discharge they've got the paperwork ready within the hour to discharge me properly. think it might be a bit different with a c section though.

LaGoulueRevenue · 17/07/2020 22:50

You can be discharged directly from the birthing suite so you don't even need to go on to the maternity ward. I've done it although after a vaginal birth. I brought the baby back for his checks the following day at a time that suited us.
The physical effects would be what dictate whether you can do the same- nothing else. There are no rules or legalities to 'get round'. It's a hospital not a prison.

PanamaPattie · 17/07/2020 22:50

Of course you can get up and leave with your baby as soon as you feel you are able. SS won't care and no one will call the police. No one can stop you. You are receiving care with consent. Remove consent and they will remove your care. You are responsible for your baby until a judge in a court says otherwise. Good luck.

Bug8 · 17/07/2020 22:51

I had an emergency c-section in April at 11am, partner left at around 4pm. I stayed over night and had checks next morning, catheter removed and everything was good. I was then asked if I wanted to leave or stay another night as everything was fine with me and baby. I chose to go home so was discharge that day. I didn't have a great experience but had to make sure the professionals said I was ok to go home.

JacobReesMogadishu · 17/07/2020 22:52

I can probably answer the question about the legal position as an ex Supervisor of Midwives.

Nobody at the hospital has the power to prevent a mother leaving, nor do they have the power to stop the mother taking their child. In exceptional circumstances they can ring the police and ask the police to make an emergency order and go and collect the baby and bring the baby back. I’ve only known that happen where there has been significant safeguarding concerns.

ShowOfHands · 17/07/2020 22:52

I had the catheter out within a couple of hours of each CS and was up and about within 3hrs, caring for the dc independently. I was discharged 12hrs after my first and nobody checked I could bath my baby, nor did I have a "morphine drip". I took no painkillers at all post CS. I was much happier at home.

I'd aim to stay in overnight and go home the next morning if you are up to it.

fretnot · 17/07/2020 22:52

I think you should be prepared for a more difficult recovery from a second C-section than your first. I’m sure there are exceptions to this but it’s certainly my experience and midwives have confirmed it. I pushed for an early discharge with DC3 after my second CS and regretted it! I had stairs to deal with at home and DH was busy with our other children.

BCG vaccinations are routinely given to neonates in hospitals across London. DC3 had it at 1 day old.

zaffa · 17/07/2020 22:53

Also, other than not getting the BCG in hospital, I agree with everything BMI has said and my section was in December. They check your iron levels as part of your bloods especially if you lose a lot during surgery, and they need to check your scar is starting to heal and you have to go for a wee and evidence that as well once the catheter comes out.
Also the midwives and the paediatrician had differing views on whether SD had a touch of jaundice and the paed was sure she did even though the midwives were not convinced. They did a test and were insistent she didn't but the community midwives picked up on the same thing. Luckily it was incredibly mild but still the newborn checks are very important.
I gave birth via EMCS at 11:35pm and was out by mid afternoon two days later, so only spent one night on the wars (first night was in the observation bay) I know it's so hard OP but it's not for very long and the checks are there to keep you both safe. Also you won't think you need painkillers at first because you're still benefiting from what they gave you during and after the section (I merrily declined everything and they were very confused when I insisted I wasn't in any pain, until they realised I just hadn't cleared the existing drugs from my system) but you do most definitely need the painkillers they supply - and you need anti clotting injections for ten days that they issue you with to take home with you and inject yourself.

Bug8 · 17/07/2020 22:54

And also baby had his vitamin K and BCG vaccination the next day before discharging........

zaffa · 17/07/2020 22:56

@Bug8

And also baby had his vitamin K and BCG vaccination the next day before discharging........

What is the vitamin K injection? I can't recall getting that for DD

JacobReesMogadishu · 17/07/2020 22:57

And from what the OP said none of that would apply as she’s said she would stay if there are any concerns.

By the time she feels able to walk baby is going to be at least six hours old and plenty of vaginal birth women and babies are discharged that early. The NIPE check can’t be done until baby is 6 hours old and if there’s nobody available that afternoon/evening to do it you may have to come back the following day. It needs doing within 72 hours. You may miss the hearing screening but again that can be done as an outPatient.

I wouldn’t advise it mainly from the fact it’s major surgery....I have rarely known women become quite unwell the first night post section.....and they themselves don’t always realise it. Internal bleeding is a risk, not common, but I’ve known it happen. One minute they’re asking about breakfast, 30 mins later they’re back in the operating theatre.

2155User · 17/07/2020 22:58

I think just give yourself at least 24 hours there.

Things might show up after a few hours that aren't immediately noticeable after giving birth.

BornOnThe4thJuly · 17/07/2020 23:02

@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.

I don’t think they can stop you actually, without a court order, they could certainly make a safeguarding referral though, which would obviously be a total pain in the arse to be dealing with.

Chocolatesmellsfunny · 17/07/2020 23:07

@JacobReesMogadishu thanks for clarifying

MyTearsAreOnFire · 17/07/2020 23:08

I discharged myself after a c section. But it was the day after.

They wanted me in for a 2nd night and I hated it in there so off I went. The doctor took ages to come and approve the discharge papers.

I went home with a tall stack of meds. And was very careful at home. I healed well.

I would not have discharged myself on the same day as my c section. (Although mine was at 4pm anyway)

You need to fart before you’ll be allowed to go

islockdownoveryet · 17/07/2020 23:08

Why make a decision now ? wait and see , anything can happen .
If you absolutely must go home then request to go but in all honesty C section is major surgery wait until the next day at least .
Stop with the stubbornness, listen to the doctor & nurses stay if they say you should stay .
I had 2 dc 1 c section and I understand but do not make a decision yet .

Pebblexox · 17/07/2020 23:10

Honestly, I wouldn't make the decision right now.
I do understand your concerns, and why you'd feel comfortable at home, but if it was me I'd definitely wait until the newborn checks had been done. After my caesarean, it took me 6 hours to properly even come around from all the drugs, then another few hours until I was up and ready to go. (Dd was in nice, so I was wheeled around but wouldn't have been able to make it on my own)
If this is your second, the healing time can take longer than with your first and there can be more problems.
Of course if you choose to, that is up to you. However I don't think you'll be able to discharge dc without a fight on your hands.

islockdownoveryet · 17/07/2020 23:11

What is the vitamin K injection? I can't recall getting that for DD
You would of done ,

BrummyMum1 · 17/07/2020 23:14

I had a friend who self discharged with a newborn against advice. She went home, had a lovely relaxing weekend and on the Monday when she had a midwife visit, her baby was so jaundiced he was sent straight back to hospital and was on the NICU ward for 2 weeks and almost had to have a blood transfusion. You might want to go home for rest. But if the drs had any concerns about your baby I would stay.

IdblowJonSnow · 17/07/2020 23:15

Just see how you feel OP. Its a plan but it mightnt be the best one, it depends entirely on how things go.
I stayed in 2 nights (because the hospital was lovely, I got lucky) but could have gone home after a night at a push I think. But not straight after.
Rules might change by the time you go in.

zaffa · 17/07/2020 23:16

@islockdownoveryet

What is the vitamin K injection? I can't recall getting that for DD You would of done ,

I hope so, reading about it it does sound very important! It's all mostly a blur now even though it was only seven months ago!

IdblowJonSnow · 17/07/2020 23:17

I don't think they can make you stay in though but imagine you'll want your baby to be checked? The amount of time it takes for women to become mobile post epidural varies quite a bit too.

Fatted · 17/07/2020 23:17

You're being an absolute idiot OP.

JacobReesMogadishu · 17/07/2020 23:17

Every baby is offered the vit k injection, it helps prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn/Vit K deficiency bleeding. It’s normally done on labour ward when baby is being weighed. You should always be asked.

But I think sometimes in the excitement and post euphoric state parents don’t notice it being given, it takes a second.

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