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Postpartum Discharge Information

Learn more about leaving the hospital after having a baby.
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You will be ready to leave the hospital with your baby once you have recovered from the birth and your baby's screening test results are available.

Patients who have had an uncomplicated vaginal birth can expect to be discharged around 26 hours following the birth. Patients who have had a Caesarean birth usually leave between 36 and 48 hours after the birth. The exact timing of discharge will depend on your specific circumstances.

Your nurse will talk to you about leaving the hospital to make sure you have all the information you need. 

If you are travelling home by car, you will need a car seat for your baby. Learn more important information and tips on choosing and installing a car seat from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. 

Please make sure you have arranged for a primary care provider to care for your baby after you leave the hospital. Babies should have a checkup with a health-care provider within 24 to 72 hours of leaving the hospital unless you have been told otherwise. 
 

Important discharge information

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You will receive a form called the Parent Discharge Communication Tool Postpartum. This will provide guidelines about what to do over the next several weeks. It includes important care instructions, guidance on resuming normal activities and warning signs to seek medical attention.

The tool lists your baby’s date of birth, the name of the attendant at birth and the type of birth. It also includes information about any follow up appointments that may be needed for both you and your baby.

As the birthing parent, it is important to make a postpartum appointment with your own health-care provider six weeks after giving birth, unless you have been told otherwise.

The tool will also note if we recommend that you purchase equipment for use at home, such as a breast pump, sitz bath or walker.

During the postpartum period after the birth of your baby, your body will go through significant changes as it gradually returns to the way it was before the pregnancy. This will take about six weeks or until your uterus returns to its normal size.

Learn more about taking care of yourself after birth and what to expect during this time.

This tool is a medical form with details about your baby's birth and the physical assessments done during your hospital stay. Show this paper to the health-care provider you have chosen for your baby after you leave the hospital.

Your baby's health-care provider will also be informed if there are any concerns with your baby's newborn screening.

Remember that it is important for your baby to have a checkup with a health-care provider within 24 to 72 hours of leaving the hospital, unless you have been told otherwise.

After the birth, you will be given an OHIP application form for your baby's health card. Fill out the top section of the form before you leave the hospital and return this top section to the nurse. 

The bottom section is your baby's temporary health card. Bring it to all your baby's medical appointments until you receive the physical health card in the mail.

Remember to complete your baby’s birth registration online and apply for the birth certificate with Service Ontario. 

Once you are back home, you and your baby can focus on getting to know each other. Learn more about taking care of your baby.

To learn more about how to care for yourself and your newborn, please read any information that is provided during your hospital stay and visit the following resources: