POSTPARTUM
The first hours after birth are very important for the development of your baby , and there are well-documented short- and long-term physical and psychological advantages when a baby is held skin to skin during this time . As soon as your baby is born and both of you are medically stable , your baby will be placed on your chest and dried off . We call this “ skin-to-skin care ” or “ kangaroo care .” This happens for all moms , regardless of feeding choice . Your chest is your baby ’ s recovery room . Just as you will stay for about an hour after delivery in L & D or in the recovery room following a C-section to recover , your baby needs this first hour to stabilize as he or she transitions from the womb to the outside world . Necessary procedures and checks are done with your baby on your chest . Research shows that babies who are skin to skin with a parent cry less , sleep better , stay warmer , and begin feeding more easily .
Following delivery of your baby and a one-hour recovery and observation period , you will be transferred to a room on the postpartum floor for the remainder of your stay . The type of delivery , presence or absence of complications , and your overall health influence the length of your admission . Federal law requires insurance carriers to allow at least 48 hours in the hospital after a vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a C-section . For those who prefer to be at home sooner , we ask that you stay at least 24 hours after a vaginal delivery and 48 hours after a C-section . Let us know if you would like an early discharge . We will evaluate your health and speak with the pediatrics team to ensure that an early discharge is a safe option for both you and your baby .
UAB Hospital recommends that you and your baby remain together unless there is a need for medical intervention . We call this “ rooming in .” This time together helps you become more comfortable caring for your newborn . Rooming in helps you learn your baby ’ s feeding cues , so you can feed him or her at the first sign of hunger . When together in the same room , a mother and her baby actually sleep better , and babies cry less . For you and your baby ’ s safety , when you are sleepy , place your baby in their own crib . You and your baby should have separate beds .
22 My Prenatal Care Book