Anyone else not stay in hospital?
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Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22531
Printed Date: 11 September 2025 at 4:35pm
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Topic: Anyone else not stay in hospital?
Posted By: Febgirl
Subject: Anyone else not stay in hospital?
Date Posted: 17 November 2008 at 9:11pm
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hi there,
Just wondering if anyone else didn't bother staying in hospital after giving birth to their first baby? My plan had always been that so long as both myself and my baby were healthy that I would go home as soon as possible afterwards - I was lucky enough that everything went well and we all went home 3 hours after the birth, I didn't transfer to a ward from the birthing suite. My thinking was that I didn't particularly like hospitals, and would much rather recooperate at home in my own bed. I also thought it was terrible that partners weren't able to stay overnight, I wanted to spend time together as a family rather than DH being kicked out and having to go home by himself. Did anyone else feel the same? Most people were amazed/horrifed that I went home a few hours after birth but it was perfect for us. |
Replies:
Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 17 November 2008 at 9:19pm
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Would have if I had, had my own way but as it was I self discharged on day 2 of a emergency c sect. Next 2 births were VB and I was able to go home straight from Delivery even thou they tried to put me into the postnatal ward both times Wow sounds like you had an amazing experience and awesome that you were able to be at home within hours. Makes all the difference being in your own environment. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
I really hate hosp and I also get extra clingy to my older kids around the last trimester and the first few months post natal (well I did with the last 2 births but the 1st was pure HATE for hospitals.Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 17 November 2008 at 9:29pm
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I gave birth at 10pm, so by the time I'd been sewed up and fed Natalie, it was about 2am, so we decided to stay overnight (although DH was kicked out!) We came home at lunchtime the next day, so our total stay was about 15hours from her birth. I had a pretty much complication-free labour, and she latched great from the start. I was in a shared room with 2 ladies and their noisy babies, and since DH wasn't allowed to be there between 8pm-8am, I just wanted to be at home with him.
Even from the tour of the hospital, I just didn't feel comfortable there, and wanted my own bed and bathroom. I did get some comments from friends about leaving so soon, but I had always planned it that way - my MW did suggest leaving straight from the delivery suite like you did, but by that stage both DH & I were exhausted, and it was the middle of the night, so we figured one night there was ok (and it also meant less blood to deal with at home  ).-------------  
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Posted By: gypsynita
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 8:30am
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I had a home birth - so did all my recuperating on the couch surrounded by family! It was absolutely fantastic and being able to do that was one of the main reasons we decided to have it at home.
We didn't tell many people that was what we were going to do because the few we did had REALLY negative reactions (except on here, where everyone was very supportive!  ), especially since it was my first pregnancy, but I think you've got to go with whatever you're going to be most comfortable with - and if that means leaving the hospital right away, so be it!------------- Anita Mum to Cian (Aug 08), Josh (Jun 10) http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: first
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 8:54am
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I stayed at birthcare but really wanted to go home, I was just not pushy enough to make it happen. I think as long as your MW visits everyday in the first week to help with latching then why not go home.
If/when number two comes I definately want to go home pretty soon after giving birth. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: mountaingoat
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 11:41am
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Personally, I don't know how I would have coped going straight home. Apart from having had an unplanned c-section, I had NO idea how to breastfeed in terms of getting baby latched properly, and as it was my milk didn't come in until Day 5 (by which time I had gone home) and I didn't have enough colostrum and baby was not getting enough to drink on Day 3 and so not sleeping ... the hospital midwives were great and took baby off my hands for an hour at a time so I could shower, or eat, or sleep ... just my own experience. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 11:57am
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mountain goat - i think if my labour had been anything but straightforward, and if Natalie hadn't latched well to start with, we would have stayed in hospital for longer. My milk also didn't come in till Day 5, and I do remember thinking all I was doing for those first 5 days was have her stuck onto me! We did have family with us when we came home, so they did the same thing - took her so I could sleep/shower/eat etc. -------------
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Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 1:35pm
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Im a realy home person. With Maddi I was only really in the hospital for 3 hours all up. We came home almsot straight away and I made sure she was latching ok before we left (thats was a lot easier second time around) I loved being at home and having DH there to look after me. Also having a busy 2 year old I like to be able to be there for her. I think recovery was a lot faster being at home as well as I was pottering around a lot more.
With Keira I stayed 2 nights in the maternity unit, mainly because I was having trouble latching and needed someone there to get her on every time. I think because they never really encouraged you to get out of bed it took a lot longer to get me walking and doing stuff again. And DH really missed those first few days.
------------- 
 
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Posted By: Cassie
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 1:54pm
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I went home three hours after delivery. We were in hospital for a grand total of six hours. The nurses were a bit stunned but the birth was so straight forward and baby fed well right from the start so I didn't see any point in staying. I'm not much for hospitals either, blegh, just wanted to get back home into my own environment and get on with things!
We got a lot of stunned/horrified reactions as well... which was a little sad. It was the right thing for us to do though and I don't regret it at all! I'd have had a home birth if I knew it was going to be so quick and will do if there is ever a next time. ------------- ~Cassie~   
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Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 2:39pm
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With #1, I stayed overnight at the hospital (she was born at 2pm but they wanted to be sure I wouldn't bleed) then transferred to a birthing centre.
With #2, I walked out of the hospital 2 hours after giving birth and DH drove us to a birthing centre, where I stayed for a couple of days. #3 was born just after midnight. I stayed at the hospital the rest of the night, then went home. Would have gone sooner, but we lived 1 1/2 hours drive away and DH needed some sleep. With #4 I walked out of the hospital 2 hours after giving birth and went home.  ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: mountaingoat
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 3:22pm
Yeh you're right blondy - it's essentially the support that's the main thing. If you go home and have great support, then it's probably more comfortable than being in hospital/birthing unit. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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blondy wrote:Posted By: LeahandJoel
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 4:40pm
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With Leah i had an emegency c-sect, she was a month early and in and out of special care for 6 days, so I stayed in to. With Joel I had a VBAC with forceps so had an epidural for that so had to stay till that wore off, I was home in under 24 hours though. -------------  
 
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Posted By: jaz
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 7:02pm
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Caleb arrived at home after a one hour labour and I decided not to bother going to birthcare.
I really enjoyed being at home - sleeping in my own bed, showering in my own bathroom, eating when what and when I felt like it and having visitors without having to be wary of sharing a room with a complete stranger. The midwife came pretty much daily to make sure feeding and everything was going well. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: emmakate
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 7:59pm
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i was home after a few hours with both my girls. i loved being able to make a nest with them on my comfy couch and eat fish and chips :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: M.i.s.s.y
Date Posted: 18 November 2008 at 8:23pm
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i will be nxt tym, i just stayed over nite, but wish id just cum home as i was much happier ther than in hospital. -------------    
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Posted By: 11111
Date Posted: 19 November 2008 at 12:18pm
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#1 I stayed in for 48 hour's and hated it so much I decided #2 was a homebirth. and #3 would have been homebirth too except I had induction it was totally differnt to #! thank goodeness, but we left 2 hour's after teh birth. at 11pm. I think it depend's on the support you have if at home i knew I had better support at home then I would have in hospital as they were really busy the night I had Ems. ------------- Deborah Mum to:   
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Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 19 November 2008 at 6:58pm
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I had my baby yesterday at Birthcare and we were planning to stay for one night before coming home, however we were only there for the birth and 2 hours after in a shared room as they were so busy they had no private rooms for us, we weren't comfy there and I felt like the MW's had no time for us. I had a breezy pregnancy and birth, and no probs with latching so far so I'm very pleased to be home =] Hospitals aren't my thing either and a night without DH is unthinkable
We have only had one comment from my MIL regarding coming home.. but we are much more comfortable here and i'm sure she has the best intentions. Good on you Febgirl and all other mummies who do what feels right for you ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 19 November 2008 at 7:09pm
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haha im planning on my hospital post natal stay being my little holiday from darling daughter numero uno ....
and OMG!!! congrats Kriss! love the name , shes gorgeous ! ------------- 
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Posted By: Mel&Kel
Date Posted: 19 November 2008 at 7:49pm
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It is awesome to read about people coming straight home. This is no 1 but I don't want to stay in hospital, I really want to come home. My midwife said I can come home as long as no problems and baby is latching on properly... the thing I don't understand is why does baby have to be latching on properly? She comes around daily and if I had a home birth they wouldn't make me go to hospital because baby wasn't latching on properly... but then I really have no idea... scary stuff! ------------- Mummy to Eva born 11 Feburary 2009 and Charlotte born 18 April 2011 |
Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 19 November 2008 at 8:58pm
Threadjack..
Thanks 
She is an absolute darling.. more pics in Nov 08 thread hehe *proud mummy* ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: MissAngel
Date Posted: 20 November 2008 at 9:05am
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I had a c-section and they made me stay in. I was in chch womens for 24 hours after the birth which was perfectly fine - except the nurses were completely ditsy, and then we were shipped out to Rangiora hospital where I WASNT ALLOWED to go home. I tell you what, I was so angry with them that I packed everything up and started walking home (before the stopped me and dragged me back inside) I was made to stay there for 4 days, and because poor Matt had no idea about how I was feeling or wether the hospital people were right or not, he took their side. I think it had a lot to do with the way I am now as well...
Anyway, my point is, DONT let them make you do things that you dont want to do. If you're gonna be more comfortable at home with your baby etc, then bloody well go home - the MW visits you daily at the hospital - she can visit you at home for the same thing. Next time round i'm coming home regardless. ------------- Alex, Thomas and Lily http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: kmarie
Date Posted: 20 November 2008 at 9:14am
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I was planning on giving birth at Auck hospital then transferring to birthcare, but everything went so smoothly at the time that we went straight to birthcare for the birth. I got my own room and stayed for 3 nights - it was great, the food was great & so were the midwives. Although I don't think I would've found it at all as good if I was in a shared room. I figure that when we have #2 I'll prob do something similar cuz it'll give me a lil bonding time while DH would look after Bethany at home. But I suspect I'd go home a lil earlier cuz I'd miss them all too much! ------------- 
twins in heaven Oct07 Is 40:11 "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 23 November 2008 at 8:35pm
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I made that choice with my #2 (#1 was a c/s so no option there). I found it more of a struggle than I had imagined - and it was complicated because we all got very sick at the same time. With #3 I decided to stay in until I had had a good night's sleep and actually enjoy the feet-up time and people waiting on me as needed (night-time rocking, meals on time, beds made....). Maybe it's just a subsequent baby thing but my preference is for the hospital stay for a couple of days. ------------- |
Posted By: daikini
Date Posted: 23 November 2008 at 9:01pm
LOL that's funny... with each subsequent child, I've wanted to get home sooner! ------------- Becca, mum of 2 girls & 3 boys |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 23 November 2008 at 9:09pm
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I stayed at Birthcare for 3 nights after I had Maya, and 4 nights after the gremlins and lil miss. With the gremlins I spent the entire 4th night howling my eyes out missing Maya and wanting to go home, but with lil miss I would have stayed a week if they'd let me! I really enjoyed the break from the other kids and the uninterrupted time to get to know my little girl. I did have a private room tho which made a big difference.
------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 23 November 2008 at 9:13pm
I think coz newborn babies feed up to 8 times a day, sometimes more often, so even if your midwife comes daily, she's only likely to be there for one of those feeds and if you're having trouble latching bub you might need help with the rest of the feeds. Sometimes you can be admitted to a birthing centre or hospital even after a homebirth if you're having latching difficulties. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 25 November 2008 at 2:36pm
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I hate hopsitals for a number of reasons, and also have an anxiety disorder caused by a head injury, which is controlled without meds.
If I absolutely have to, I'll give birth at Chch Womens and transfer to Lincoln Maternity Centre ( a quiet country birthing unit.) All going to plan, I'll birth at the centre, and stay long enough for skin on skin, feeding etc, but then head home. If bubs is born during the night obviously we will stay there to a sane hour, but unless they are incredibly busy they won't kick DH out which is a huge relief. We've received a bit of flack for it too, but I have an amazing Mum, MIL, and midwife. My husband kicks arse, and my bed is my rest place, what more does a new mum need? -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 25 November 2008 at 10:20pm
I didnt have a choice,  . I had a emergency c section after a horrible horrible 48 hour labour. I was in hospital for 6 days, well more than that if you count the 3 times I was in and out of hospital when i got sent home etc **sigh**
Maybe next time i will be able to go home the same day! I saw a lady in the mother baby room in sylvia park today and her baby was 3 days old! and SOOOO teeny!!!! i want another one nooowww lol ------------- |
Posted By: NovemberMum
Date Posted: 26 November 2008 at 7:52pm
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i birthed in Waikato but transferred to river ridge about 4 hours later.
stayed there for 2 nights which was great as I had help on tap for breastfeeding. although my midwife did do postnatal visits I couldnt expect her to drop by to help with latching on at 3am. I am hoping when I have my 2nd I can birth at river ridge,..not sure if I will stay the full 2 days or just go home the same day (depending of course on what time baby is born) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: monikah
Date Posted: 26 November 2008 at 11:21pm
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im real glad so many ppl went strait home. i really want to do that. i actually cant cope without DH with me and i point blank refuse to have the first few hours or overnight without him, its half his baby too and i used to work at hutt where ill be delivering and i know they kick husbands out, i actually couldnt cope. i havent slept a night without him since we got married and im sure i couldnt do it after having our first baby. he would be devistated too. ------------- 
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Posted By: NovemberMum
Date Posted: 27 November 2008 at 12:32am
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wow we are quite lucky here...at River ridge you are allowed a support person stay in your (post natal) room with you ., ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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