HealthPartners - Taking care of you and your newborn

Do you have the help you need? Planning to go home is different for everyone. As you get ready to leave

the hospital, think about the help you’ll need when you get home. Your health care team will talk to you about your support system. They’ll also share important information about how to care for yourself and your baby.

Going Home If you’re a first-time parent, going home with your new baby may feel a little scary. If you’re an experienced parent, you may have excited big brothers or sisters at home ready to meet the new baby. Some parents will have babies who have to stay in the hospital for a little while longer.

While you’re in the hospital: • Read written instructions about how to care for yourself and your baby at home • Ask any questions about how to care for yourself and your baby at home • Read any information about medications you and your baby may be taking at home • Ask your support people to come to the hospital to get any instructions from the nurses • Remember to bring an approved car seat that’s been properly installed in your car • Ask family members to take home extra personal items, like flowers, cards, or clothes Before you’re discharged: • You’ll be given information and instructions for follow-up medical appointments • Review and understand the discharge instruction sheet—for you and your baby • Ask your health care team about any final questions or concerns • Find out who to contact about questions or concerns once you are home

Once you’re home: • Don’t stress about housework—let others help out • Accept help with cooking meals for you and your family • If someone offers to help with the laundry, let them • Sleep when the baby sleeps—you need your strength • Accept help with errands, shopping, picking up mail, etc. • Line up help to get you and your baby to doctor’s visits Follow-up care For babies who were discharged less than 48 hours after birth, it is crucial to have an early follow-up appointment with their health care provider. This means your baby’s appointment should be scheduled on or before their 3rd day of life. For babies discharged more than 48 hours after birth, their appointment should be scheduled before or on their 5th day of life. At this visit, they’ll check your baby’s weight, bilirubin level, and overall health. Be ready to discuss: (1) when and how much your baby is feeding; and (2) the number of wet diapers and stools your baby makes each day. You may be referred to a lactation consultant for help with breastfeeding.

45 Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care