I had hoped for a natural intervention-free birth, and wanted to stay for as short as possible - only one night, if that. I registered for the early discharge program.


As it turned out, I had a hard labour and emerg. c/s. I stayed 3 nights after the birth (which was at 5.15pm), and that was so long enough for me I was just wanting to go home and be in familiar surroundings. We would have been home after the 2nd night but Jazz was jaundiced and they wanted to be on top of it rather than let us go home and then possibley having to readmit her.
I had midwives visit me for about 2 weeks. I had a really good MCHN visit in hospital and showed Shel and I breastfeeding techniques, and Shel helped me get it right at home. Midwives were overworked and understaffed so I rarely saw anyone between my routine checks anyway even when I pressed the button. I had my own room but just wasn't comfortable.

I've spent some time in hospital before, and not good memories. I also lost my grandfather two days before Jazz was born and I just felt very cut off from Shel and family being stuck in hospital and I jsut wanted to be home and grieve. Those two things might have also factored into it too.

Next time I would love a home birth so I don't have to be in hospital at all. Or to be in hospital for only as long as medicaly necessary. 5 days would be too much for me. But play it by ear, you never know how you'll feel.