Before you are discharged from the postpartum ward, several checks are performed to ensure both you and your baby are healthy and prepared for going home. Your baby’s weight is compared with their birth weight. It is normal for babies to lose some weight during the first days, but staff also assess whether feeding — breastfeeding or formula — is effective.

A pediatrician performs the newborn medical examination before discharge. This is a thorough assessment in which the doctor listens to the heart and lungs, checks the hips, evaluates muscle tone and reflexes, observes skin colour and jaundice, and assesses the baby’s overall condition. The purpose is to ensure your baby has transitioned well and does not show signs of illness or need for additional support.

Around 48 hours after birth, your baby receives the newborn screening (PKU test), where a few drops of blood are analyzed for rare but treatable disorders. A hearing screening is also performed using soft clicking sounds that measure hearing response in the ear.

For you, staff check postpartum bleeding (lochia), uterine contractions, and any sutures or tears. They ensure you can urinate without difficulty, that your pain relief is working, and that you understand how to care for any perineal stitches.

Before going home, you receive guidance on breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, safe sleep, umbilical cord care, normal newborn behaviour, and signs that require medical attention. You are also informed about where to seek help: the postpartum ward, child health centre, or breastfeeding clinic.

Discharge happens when both you and the staff feel confident that everything is stable, the baby feeds well, and you feel ready to go home.

Alma’s tips

• Ask every question you have — nothing is too small.

• Request breastfeeding support once more before discharge.

• Save all important phone numbers in your phone.

• Rest generously once home — your body is still recovering.