How long you stay in the hospital after childbirth depends on a number of factors. These include whether you gave birth vaginally or not. It also depends on whether you had complication or not during pregnancy and delivery.

Hospital stay after childbirth

Uncomplicated vaginal delivery   :  If you fall into this category, you are likely to stay in the hospital for about 24 to 48 hours. You need to  rest and wait for any anesthesia to wear off  . You and your baby will be monitored to make sure there are no problems or no problems develop.

If you will like an early discharge such as being out of the hospital sooner than 24 hours after delivery, you have to let your doctor know before you go into labor. You will also need to take your baby to see a doctor if you get discharged early. You will need to see your midwife or doctor within a week as long as you feel okay.

Uncomplicated c-section : You will need to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. You may stay longer if you had complications. After a cesarean, your health care team will like you to be able to do  the following before you go home

• urinate without a catheter
• walk to the bathroom
• eat and drink without vomiting

The health care team will also make sure your baby is well and fit to go home. Your partner may be able to stay with you in the postpartum ward if you sleep overnight. Check with your hospital about accommodation.

It is rare for patients with children in the intensive care unit to remain in the hospital longer than the usual postpartum stay. An extended stay will likely not be covered by the insurance and is not allowed by most hospitals.