If the birth is uncomplicated, the baby is healthy and you are feeling ready, you may opt for what is these days called an “Early Dis-charge”. Early discharge (subtly indicating that you are doing something against the norm) is so-called because the system has for many years been geared to keeping a woman and her baby in the hospital under observation for the first few days. It has been the patronising attitude that the mother will need lots of “professional help” in her new role and that it is “safer” to be around medical resources and in a “nice sterile hospital” rather than in a germ ridden home! This old routine – and the newer “opt-out of it” possibility – has led many women to believe that going home early is reckless, and might even be dangerous for their baby. However this is rarely the case. By far the greatest majority of women and new babies have no need at all for post-natal medical attention and the incidence of cross-infection is now known to be far higher in hospitals than was previously thought. Informa-tion and tutelage on things like breastfeeding, handling. bathing and dressing a new baby can easily be taught in the privacy of the family home on a one-to-one basis when the community nurse visits.
   If you do wish to leave the hospital as soon as possible, add this into your Birth Plan and also inform the hospital of your intention when you come in during labour. Having a doula with you, who intends to escort you home and provide support for the next few hours or even days, will help allay the hospital’s fears about your leaving early and will mean you have continuity of support following your epic event. In the case of an early discharge, a community midwife will be arranged to visit you at home over the first few days.
   There is also the popular impression, particu-larly with first time mothers, that staying a few days in the hospital will be a welcome holiday for the new mum. But usually it is far from it! Hospitals are noisy, busy places. There will be a lot of different people coming in to see you and your baby at times which suit their schedule and convenience – not yours. As well as other mothers with their babies, there will be: doctors, nursing staff and medical students; caterers; cleaning staff; physiotherapists; lactation consultants; photographers; flower sellers; and lots of visitors (yours and other people’s). And all of this will be occurring whilst you are trying to breastfeed and bond quietly with your baby. If you think all this sounds like a holiday, then a hospital stay may well suit you.

   If you already have children, you may think that taking a break from the usual domestics with a hospital stay is a good idea. As well as all the above-mentioned disadvantages of staying in a maternity ward, separating from your children for that time can be traumatic for them and may create more confusion and jealousy when you come home with a new baby. If you do decide to come home straightaway after the birth, in the weeks before, be sure to organise some post-natal domestic support. Ask friends to come and do some washing, cleaning, provide a few meals, look after any other children occasionally.
   Taking advantage of an early discharge means you will more quickly adjust to having a new baby in your life. During this precious time, you will get to spend more time with your partner, you can set your own timetables for meals and baby bathing, and will also be far more sensitive to your baby’s needs. Your baby will not have to resettle into the home after several days of trying to settle into the hospital stream. Being visited by only one medical person each day (and with any luck it may be the same person everyday), will provide better continuity of nursing advice, whereas in the hospital you can get a different set of opinions every 8 hour shift.
   In short, early discharge can be the best compromise for those who decide to give birth in hospital. The overall benefit is that it brings you and your baby back into the most comfort-able surroundings, back into your cherished relationships and back into your normal life much sooner and more easily.

Summary of Reasons for a Hospital Birth
• Medical back up in case of emergency
• No mess to clean up or washing to do
• Time away from hustle and bustle of household and other family
• People to care for you for a few days at least
• Free on Medicare Public
• Medical pain relief available
• Own room if privately insured
• 24 hr visiting times (if you like that)
• Your own doctor can attend if needed
• Relinquishment of responsibility

Summary of Reasons Against a Hospital Birth
• Requires trip during labour
• May have to wait for services or attention due to poor funding
• High chance of medical intervention
• High anxiety location
• Impersonal staff