A New Beginning

Your Hospital Discharge

This chapter explains items that must be completed before you can be discharged and provides helpful tips on surviving these early weeks.

DISCHARGE PLANNING STARTS WHEN YOU ARRIVE • Review the Preparation for Going Home Bi-fold with your nurse • Learn about expected physical and emotional changes after childbirth • Know the warning signs after childbirth • Know when you need to contact your provider and when to call 911 • Understand your medications and their side effects • Schedule your postpartum follow-up appointment • Develop a “Help at Home Plan” and communicate it to your partner, family, and friends • Be involved — learn from our expert nurses and practice your new skills consultations ordered by your health care provider • If you had a cesarean, your staples will be removed and steri-strips applied • You will review your discharge instructions with your nurse • Make sure you understand your medications and their side effects • Meet with financial counselors, if necessary BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOSPITAL • You must have completed and cleared any

BABY’S DISCHARGE Your discharge requirements may seem simple when compared with those for your baby. Coordinating both can be complicated. Review the Baby’s Discharge chapter and Preparation for Going Home Bi-fold to make the process as smooth as possible.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR DISCHARGE • What should I expect as I recover?

• How long will I have discomfort or pain? • Do I have special instructions to follow? • When is my first follow-up appointment? • What are my options for birth control? • When should I contact my health care provider? • When should I go to the emergency room? • What medications will I take at home and for how long? • Is it safe for me to take the medicine if I’m breastfeeding? • What should I do if I miss a dose? • What are the side effects of each medication and what symptoms should I report? • Are there any foods, drinks, activities, or supplements I need to avoid while taking this medication? • When should I expect this medication to begin working and how will I know if it is?

6 STEPS TO REMEMBER:

1 2

4 5

Ask questions

Involve your partner

Learn from your nurses

Make a plan for help at home

3

6

Practice your new skills

Know the early warning signs

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A New Beginning