I was in for 5 nights (had a ECS) and am really glad that I was. As a new mum it is really hard to get breastfeeding going and work it all out (especially when the baby blues hit on day 3), DH and I found the help of the midwives over those first few days invaluable. Also I found it good for bubs too, he became jaundiced on day 3 (yep right when the baby blues hit) and because the midwives noticed it (before I did) we were able to get on top of it really quickly and he didn't have to be admitted to SCN for light therapy.

So I guess my advice is stay as long as you can, the first day or two I was walking on air, but then the curve balls started coming on day 2 and 3 and it was great to have the help of the midwives.