Going Home

You may be anxious to go home as soon as possible. Before you and your baby go home, a healthcare provider will make sure that your baby has no health problems. You will also be checked to be sure you are healthy enough to take care of your baby and yourself.

Checking Baby's Health

A pediatrician or other healthcare provider will do a complete exam of your newborn. All babies are checked to rule out problems such as a dislocated hip or a heart murmur. A drop of blood may be taken to check for certain diseases. A hepatitis B vaccination may be given. The pediatrician will discuss the exam results with you and answer your questions. You may also schedule your baby's first office visit.

When You're Ready

You're ready to go home when:

• You can walk to the bathroom without help.

• You can eat solid food.

• You have no sign of infection or other health problem, including fever.

When Baby's Ready

Most often you and your baby go home together. Your baby is ready to go home when:

• The baby has no sign of a health problem.

• He or she is eating well.

• The baby's temperature is normal.

• A government-approved car seat is properly installed in the car your baby will ride home in.

Your Home Recovery

After birth, you may feel back to normal within about 6 weeks. Rest as much as possible, and accept help from family and friends. Also, schedule your first postnatal visit with your healthcare provider.

Taking Care of Your Body

• Pain in the area of your perineum can be eased by lying on your side. Or try sitting on a donut pillow (a donut-shaped inflatable or foam cushion).

• Hemorrhoids (painful swellings around the anus) often develop during pregnancy and labor. Soothe them with sitz baths (shallow baths) and creams or witch hazel.

• Don't have intercourse or use tampons until your healthcare provider says it's safe.

• If you had perineal tearing or an episiotomy, it should heal quickly but may still be sore. Keep the area clean. Using a hand-held shower or a squirt bottle may make washing easier. Pat dry. Do not rub.

• If you had a cesarean, follow your healthcare provider's instructions on caring for your incision.

Postnatal Visit

If you had a cesarean, you may see your healthcare provider about four to six weeks after delivery. Otherwise, your postnatal visit will be about six weeks after delivery. During this follow-up exam, your uterus and any incisions made at delivery are checked. This is a good time to discuss resuming sex and birth control. Keep in mind that breast-feeding will not stop you from getting pregnant!