After the birth

We encourage you to keep your baby with you in your room.

Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital's family focused philosophy encourages you to become as confident and comfortable as possible about caring for yourself and your new baby. You will become accustomed to your baby's schedule and have time to observe the behaviors that make your baby unique.

Under typical circumstances, we believe mothers rest and sleep more comfortably when their babies are close by them. This allows frequent breastfeeding without interruptions. It helps you establish a good milk supply, prevent engorgement and encourage frequent bowel movements in your baby.

If you have a vaginal delivery, you can go home when your blood pressure and pulse are stable, when you are up and moving on your own and when you are able to urinate. In addition, your doctor must feel that you are medically able to be discharged and your baby's doctor must feel the child is feeding well. The length of stay varies, but mother and baby typically stay 24 hours to 48 hours.

If you have a cesarean delivery, your length of stay is usually longer than the stay after a vaginal delivery. You can go home when your doctor decides you are medically able to be discharged and your baby's doctor feels your baby is feeding well. The length of stay varies according to individual circumstances, but mother and baby typically stay 48 hours to 72 hours.

More about your maternity stay.

Postpartum goals.

If you deliver at Methodist Hospital, we can explain when to go to the hospital and what to expect during your stay.

We have several resources to help you.

• A checklist can help you prepare for those first weeks at home with your new baby.
• Park Nicollet offers classes to educate new mothers, partners and families about pregnancy, newborn care, breastfeeding and more.
• Park Nicollet Health Advisor’s online health library contains health information on a variety of topics, including breastfeeding, newborn care, screening guidelines and postpartum depression.
• Lactation consultants at Breastfeeding Center @ Park Nicollet can assist with breastfeeding difficulties. A feeding assessment and individualized feeding plan will be developed for you and your baby.
• The Health & Care Store @ Park Nicollet and Breastfeeding Center @ Park Nicollet, Meadowbrook Building, on the Methodist Hospital campus, can provide a wide array of products to support your health, healing and learning. The Breastfeeding Center features helpful products for prepregnancy and postpregnancy, including support pillows and cushions, breast pumps, educational books, maternity bras and other breastfeeding products.