hi love.

i just had my first bub and stayed four nights/five days and was very glad for the support in the hospy in that time.

we had trouble breastfeeding and i really needed the help. Also was completely clueless about babies (still am! lol) and the midwives were a great source of support, information and advice - although sometimes conflicting.

If i wasn't xmas week and i had family arriving from far afield i would have opted to stay an extra night just to really sort out the feeding issues with Ash. But in saying that i was ready to leave the hospy when i did and glad to get home.

i was in a private hospy with pretty good food, DH could stay 24/7 and we all slept in our own private room with private bathroom etc. If i'd been public and on a ward, i think i would have run away pretty early.

hope that helps you make your decision. Do remember that you may have to prepare to stay longer depending on feeding, bub's progress, your recovery etc. you know what babies are like... they like to ruin our best laid plans!