New Beginnings: Pregnancy Guides - Mission Health

G OING HOME
How long will we stay
The time you spend in the hospital will depend on the health of mother and baby. For a vaginal birth you may stay 1 or 2 days.
After a cesarean birth you may stay 3 or 4 days. Our recommended check out time is 11 am to 12 noon. Please keep this in
mind when making plans to go home. Please note, your doctor or midwife and your baby’s healthcare provider must complete
their exams before you can be discharged.
Before your baby goes home:
• Hearing screening: Your baby’s hearing will be tested before going home. This painless test will measure how she or he
reacts to soft sounds. This testing is done in your room and you will be told the results of
the test after it is finished.
• Newborn screening: State law requires all babies to be tested for certain diseases. Blood is taken from your baby’s heel for
these tests.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Hepatitis B can cause liver problems and doctors now feel all newborn babies should be vaccinated to
prevent this disease. Discuss this with your baby’s doctor prior to birth.
• Circumcision: Circumcision means cutting away a small piece of skin covering the end of the penis. Please talk with your
doctor or midwife about making this choice for your baby boy. It is also a good idea before the birth, to find out if your
insurance plan covers the cost of circumcision.
• A newborn exam: Your baby will be given a head-to-toe check-up in the first 24 hours after birth and on the day you go
home. These records will be mailed by Mission to the doctor you have chosen to care for your baby.
• Discharge Planner Consult: You may have a visit from the Patient and Family Services staff. They can talk with you and
your health care provider about things you may need help with once you go home. They will then contact local programs
that may be able to help you.
Before Mom goes home:
• The morning you go home you will have an exam by your doctor or midwife.
• Take time to review how to take care of yourself and your baby with your nurse.
• Some mothers may be given a Rhogam shot or Hepatitis B vaccine. Your doctor or midwife will talk with you about
these medicines.
• If you have questions or would like more help with breastfeeding your nurse can call one of the lactation consultants.
• If you or your baby has special needs, your care provider may arrange for home visits by a registered nurse. Home visiting
nurses can check for health problems, observe your progress and give you support.
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