The safety of Canadian early discharge guidelines. Effects of discharge timing on readmission in the first year post-discharge and exclusive breastfeeding to four months.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined earlier discharge in relation to Canadian guidelines for earlier discharge and infant feeding. We addressed differences in readmission (1 year post-discharge) and exclusive breastfeeding (4 months) for newborns and mothers discharged within 48 hours compared to those with a longer hospital stay.

METHOD: A cohort of 1,357 vaginally delivered singleton normal newborns and their mothers (births between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 1997) were studied by linking five databases and a chart audit.

RESULTS: Overall there were no differences in infant and maternal readmission or rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

CONCLUSION: Canadian guidelines for earlier discharge appear appropriate for vaginally delivered singleton normal newborns and their mothers with timely home visitation.