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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Canadian guidelines for earlier discharge appear appropriate for vaginally delivered singleton normal newborns and their mothers with timely home visitation.
Yanicki
Sharon
S
University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB.
Hasselback
Paul
P
Sandilands
Mark
M
Jensen-Ross
Chris
C
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002170:Canada; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000592:standards*