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

[SingingWren]

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.

I had a c section last year, my baby was born at 22.59 and once we were put on the ward my partner wasn't allowed to stay overnight so went home at around 2am and came back at 8am, we were discharged mid afternoon. Your experience may be completely different to the experience of your friends, please think this through

Play it by ear. I've had 3 c sections, all progressively worse. I don't know what post natal checks at home are like in current environment, but I guess if baby is checked over and fine, and you are too, then leave. Post natal care is woeful and it sounds like your hospital is especially poor, so I can understand your anxiety. As long as you're sure you're both ok and a doctor has said that, then I don't see what problem is. I had an EMCS late last year, lost lots of blood and baby was closely monitored as it had been a traumatic birth. I was released the next day anyway, so you may not be in there that long. Bring handgel and antibacterial wipes. X

My sister in law was discharged 10hours later. No probs

Christ, My last section (2nd one) was mid morning on a Wednesday. They chucked me out at 3pm on the Friday. I begged to be kept in over the weekend! They had super electric beds that were amazing! They said no and I will admit I cried.

Yes, the staff were rude and shit and I was ignored and given no pain relief or food (I’d expected that after the first section though and I took my own pain relief and food). But man, those beds! So much easier than struggling out of mine at home with a bedside crib to navigate around.

I’m having my 3rd section in August at a different hospital. They have told me it’s usually just 24 hours. I will do my best to stay in for 48 - I’ve got steep stairs at my new house and I don’t fancy my chances 24 hours after major surgery.

I was out 24 hours after my second. Think you’ll maybe need to just see how you feel though.

And yes, it’s tough without your partner there. With my second, my husband couldn’t be there a lot anyway as he had to look after the first child, do school runs, dinner, bed, so he could only come after school drop off and had to leave again at 2.30 anyway. He brought older Ds on the second day after school for a quick visit but I was on my own otherwise. So many second time parents are in the same boat if you have no other family to help out.

(I’ve not mentioned first section as I was actually in one part of the hospital or another with Ds for three weeks as he was in NICU).

Haven't read all the replies so I'm sorry if I'm repeating other posters, but I'm sure they'll let you leave if you're both fit and well. I was given the option to leave the following day after ELCS with DD2. I opted to stay another night for the support as DH was caring for DD1 and I didn't want her jumping on me straight after op, but the option was there.

@SingingWren you aren't under the care of SaTH Trust are you? ( You mentioned hospital getting bad press). If so I can completely understand your anxiety, but no idea what best course of action would be

@pinkgin85 yes, the blood thinners (won't let me quote you). My (badly worded) point was that the hospital has to organise that and give you everything to take home; presumably if OP decides to discharge herself ahead of time the Clexane won't be ready for her?

Midwife here. As JacobReesMogadishu says, you cannot be detained. Hospital isn’t a prison. Unless you do not have capacity or there are grave safeguarding concerns nobody can make you stay in.

Also- the NIPE can be done before 6 hours and women shouldn’t be made to feel that they have to stay overnight just to get the NIPE done. It can be done as an outpatient or with some GPs. Similarly the hearing screening. Even if they find it hard to get your drugs organised your partner can pop back next day to pick them up.

For a CS I’d advise staying overnight just because it’s such a big op, but if you had it done at 9am then you could conceivably be alright to go home before bedtime as long as they go through with you all the post op things to look for (PE/DVT, urinary retention etc). If Staying in is going to cause you so much distress, being at home might be a better plan. If your unit has a Consultant Midwife maybe speak to them and get it put in your plan about facilitating an early discharge?

Just an update, baby was born healthy and happy earlier this week. I was allowed to go home after 24 hours, and my stay was actually very pleasant and everyone was lovely.
Hindsight is a great thing and there was absolutely no way I was ever going home the same day as csection!

Thank you everyone

Congratulations!

Congratulations - wonderful news!

Congratulations!

Great news OP, congratulations

My first was born in August during covid. I went into labour and 8 hours later had an emergency c section cause the baby was under stress. I gave birth at 945 am on the 12th and was discharged August 13th at 11am. I was able to get up on my own and walk to the bathroom the same night and eat. However they said they needed to ensure my son had the good to go before we left. Always ensure you and the baby are OK to leave before you try to self discharge.

I had a section on my 2nd
Was in 5 days and I loved it

@Lisafensom

My first was born in August during covid. I went into labour and 8 hours later had an emergency c section cause the baby was under stress. I gave birth at 945 am on the 12th and was discharged August 13th at 11am. I was able to get up on my own and walk to the bathroom the same night and eat. However they said they needed to ensure my son had the good to go before we left. Always ensure you and the baby are OK to leave before you try to self discharge.

This is an 11 year old thread

@milkytwilight Lockdown went on for longer than I thought!

If you’re not a first time and the c-section goes smoothly, baby finecetc they’ll probably want you out ASAP anyway. Probably 48 hours.

I wouldn’t risk leaving before they discharge you. You and your baby both need to be checked over by a doctor after major surgery.

Oh just seen your update, OP! Congratulations 🎉

They can't stop you but I think you are underestimating how much main you are going to be in.

It's major abdominal surgery.

ZOMBIE thread, baby was born July 2020