Bringing Your Baby Home From the Hospital

Bringing your baby home from the hospital is a big milestone for new parents. In this BC and Lower Mainland focused guide, we walk through what to expect before discharge, how long most families stay in hospital after birth or caesarean delivery, and how to prepare for your baby’s first days at home. You will also learn about newborn screenings, follow up care, and practical tips to help you feel confident as you transition home with your newborn.

How long will we stay in the hospital?

Most healthy, full term babies born at 37 weeks or later are ready to go home between 4 and 48 hours after birth.

Some late preterm babies, born between 34 and 36 weeks, may also be healthy enough to go home after a slightly longer stay, usually at least 48 hours.

Babies born by caesarean birth, babies with medical concerns, or parents who need additional recovery time may stay in hospital between 24 and 72 hours after birth.

Babies born before 34 weeks typically need more time in hospital. If your baby arrives this early, it is very normal to feel anxious about bringing them home. Your health care team will work closely with you to make a discharge plan that supports your baby’s specific needs and helps you feel prepared and confident.

How can I prepare before my baby arrives?

Many new parents choose to take prenatal classes before their baby is born. These classes often cover labour and birth, newborn care, feeding, postpartum recovery and caring for your newborn in the first 6 weeks.

It can also be helpful to learn about resources in your community. In BC, public health units often offer breastfeeding support and newborn check ins. Community centres and family resource programs can be a great way to meet other new parents and build support.

Before your baby is born, it is important to decide who will provide your baby’s ongoing health care. In the Lower Mainland, babies are followed by a family doctor. Registered midwives often provide newborn care for the first six weeks, which is covered by MSP, depending on your province and care model. You can self refer for midwifery care here is a post that explains the process.

Other decisions that are helpful to think about ahead of time include:

• Feeding plans

• Circumcision decisions (private pay only)

• Sleep arrangements

• Preparing siblings and pets

• Cloth or disposable diapers

The early days after birth can feel busy and tender, so having these conversations ahead of time can help you focus on settling in with your baby.

You will also need a properly installed, rear facing car seat to take your baby home. Make sure you know how to use it safely before your due date.

Bringing Your Baby Home From the Hospital

Before you leave the hospital, staff will make sure your baby is doing well. This usually includes checking that your baby:

• Can maintain a normal body temperature

• Is not at high risk for jaundice

• Has had at least one wet diaper and passed stool

• Has been offered the recommended medications such as vitamin K and eye ointment

• Is feeding well and has had at least two successful feeds

• Has completed newborn screening tests

All babies in Canada are screened for conditions such as hypothyroidism and PKU. In many provinces including BC, hearing screening and additional tests are also offered.

If your baby was born preterm, the care team will also ensure your baby:

• Is breathing well

• Can maintain body temperature

• Is feeding effectively

• Is gaining weight appropriately or has minimal expected weight loss. Babies will loose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first week.

  
  

Your own health will be checked as well. Before discharge, you should feel comfortable caring for your baby, understand signs of possible complications, and have support in place for feeding, whether breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or formula feeding.

You should never feel rushed to leave. Ask questions and make sure you feel ready.

What should we keep in mind once we’re home?

It is very normal to feel nervous when you first bring your baby home. Try to protect this time so you can adjust and bond as a family.

A few helpful reminders:

• Newborns can become ill easily, so limit exposure to people who are sick

• Wash your hands often and ask visitors to do the same

• Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, reach out for support

When should my baby see a health care provider?

Your baby should be seen by a health care provider within 48 to 72 hours of leaving the hospital, or sooner if you have concerns.

If your baby was born preterm, your care team will create a follow up plan before discharge and review signs to watch for at home.

At the first visit, your provider will usually:

• Check your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference

• Assess for jaundice

• Ask about feeding and output

• Do a physical exam

• Talk with you about how your family is adjusting

• Complete any screening tests not done in hospital

This visit may be with your midwife, family doctor or public health nurse. It may happen at home, in a clinic, or in hospital, depending on your care plan.

How do I get support in the postpartum period?

Having support after birth can make a huge difference in your recovery and confidence as a new parent. Some families rely on close relatives or friends to help with meals, household tasks, and caring for older children, while others choose to hire a postpartum doula for specialized guidance and hands-on assistance.

A postpartum doula can provide support with newborn care, feeding, sleep strategies, and emotional adjustment, helping parents feel more confident and less overwhelmed during those first few weeks. Whether you lean on family, a doula, or both, having trusted support allows you to rest, bond with your baby, and navigate the transition home with more ease.

Newborns are adjusting to a huge change. The world outside the womb is bright, loud, and unfamiliar, and it is normal for babies to need a lot of closeness in the early days.

Many newborns feed often, wake frequently, and prefer to be held. Cluster feeding, short sleep stretches, noisy breathing, hiccups, sneezing, and uneven feeding patterns can all be normal in the first weeks. Crying often peaks in the evening, and many babies settle best with movement, skin to skin contact, or being close to a caregiver.

There is no way to spoil a newborn. Responding to your baby builds trust and helps them feel safe as they adjust to life outside the womb.

A gentle reminder

The early days with your baby are tender and unique. They can feel full, emotional, exhausting, and deeply special all at once.

Try to slow down where you can. Notice the weight of your baby in your arms, the small sounds they make, and the quiet moments in between the busyness. This is a short season, and while it may feel intense, it is also the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

You are learning your baby, and your baby is learning you. That is more than enough.

Bloom has both birth and postpartum doulas to choose from if you are looking to build your support team.