While giving birth is probably one of the most painful and exhausting experiences you will ever have to go through, leaving the hospital to go home to your new life can also be pretty daunting. Some first-time-mums or even mums with older children can be frightened at the thoughts of leaving the safety and security of the hospital to go home to the chaos of their new life.
Hopefully, the following advice should help you feel better prepared.
Talk to the midwife/ doctor
A lot of the fear of leaving the hospital, especially if it is your first baby, is going home and not knowing what to do. But by talking to your midwife or doctor they will be able to help settle any fears that you might have. Ask about signs and symptoms to look out for and who you can ring or what you can do if you are overly concerned or worried about you or your baby. Have them answer any questions that you may have before you leave.
Make arrangements for your next hospital or home visit
Before you leave, arrange your next hospital or home visit so that you are not unnecessarily worrying about it. Some hospitals ask you to come back while others send a midwife out to your home so make sure you know what you need to do. Even if you have had a child before, things can change in a short amount of time so ask them if they don’t come to you about it. Knowing when your next check up is will make you feel a whole lot more relaxed.
Have someone collect you
Try to have someone collect you from the hospital so that you are not leaving alone with baby. You are likely to be feeling sore, tired and very emotional and will be more frightened if you have to gather your stuff together on your own. If someone is there to give you hand you will feel better able to handle it.
Get someone to stock up the fridge
Make sure the fridge is stocked up with your favourite foods and hot drinks so that you have lots of home comforts. If possible, ask someone to have dinner or lunch ready when you get home and a nice comfy bed prepared.
