Tulip, I know some hospitals let you out after 24hrs but that is your choice.

When i had Kimberley in was in for 8 days but she was in the special care until she was born by c/section.
With Alexander i was in 5 days and he was born by c/section as well he only spent 4 days in the special care until. I was in hospital from the Friday before he was born so in total i was in hospital for 10 days.