Typically, the average stay in-hospital following a vaginal delivery is 24 to 36 hours. For a Cesarean Section, the average stay is 48 hours. Your length of stay will depend on many factors, such as your healing, fatigue and breastfeeding.
What is provided?
During your stay in-hospital, we will provide you with:
- Open back nightgown and housecoat
- Diapers, sleepers and blankets for baby
- Kleenex
- Sanitary pads
- Breast pads
- Breast pump for use in hospital, if needed; you are also welcome to bring your own
- A sleep chair or mattress for your partner/support (please check with your birthing unit)
- Meals, snacks and beverages for our patients, including special diets
- As a patient, you are welcome to bring your own food if preferred. Family members are responsible to purchase or bring their own food.
Who can I expect to visit my room?
- Nurses, physicians and/or midwives (students of these professions may also be present, supporting your care under the responsibility of a licensed care provider)
- Lab and diagnostic staff
- Lactation consultants
- Staff that clean and stock your room with supplies
- Nursing or dietary staff that will deliver your meals and snacks
- Nursing or clerical staff that will help you with the birth registration package
Services available at the Hospital
- Access to internet/Wi-Fi varies by location
- Telephone (long-distance charges/access may vary)
- Television rentals may be available depending on your location
- You are welcome to bring portable DVD players, wireless tablets and/or laptops from home
Going Home
- Your nurse will discuss leaving the hospital and share instructions with you.
- All bed linens, towels, housecoats, gowns, baby blankets, sleepers and breast pumps are provided for in-hospital use only and must be returned before you go home.
- Be sure you bring baby clothes and an approved car seat to take baby home safely. Staff will make sure the car seat is approved, has not expired and that baby is properly strapped into the seat before you leave.
- A public health nurse will call you once you are home to provide support. The timing of this contact will vary depending on where you live.
- The nurse discharging you from the hospital will explain when you and baby should visit your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner.