The short hospital stay following childbirth, typically one to four days, focuses on initial recovery for the mother and stabilization for the newborn. Hospitals provide a comprehensive set of resources to manage pain, facilitate healing, and ensure the infant is well-cared for. These standard supplies and procedures help ease the transition into parenthood.
Immediate Postpartum Comfort and Recovery Supplies
Postpartum recovery involves managing significant uterine bleeding, known as lochia, along with potential perineal swelling and soreness. The hospital provides specialized, heavy-duty maternity pads designed to handle this substantial discharge, which is often much heavier than typical menstrual flow. These large pads are designed to fit securely within the provided disposable mesh underwear, which are highly flexible and breathable to accommodate swelling and are easily discarded after use.
For mothers who have had a vaginal delivery, comfort measures focus on the perineal area. Perineal ice packs, often instant-activating or gel-filled, are provided to reduce swelling and numb the pain around stitches or tears, offering immediate cold therapy. Another universally provided tool is the peri bottle, a small squirt bottle used to gently cleanse the area with warm water during urination and after using the restroom, which is especially soothing when the area is tender and sensitive to wiping. Witch hazel pads are also applied directly to the perineum or hemorrhoids for their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which help to lessen inflammation and soothe painful tissue.
Essential Newborn Care Items and Procedures
The hospital supplies all basic necessities for the infant during the stay. This includes a constant supply of preemie or newborn-sized diapers and gentle wipes, which are readily available and restocked by the nursing staff. Basic clothing is also provided, such as a knit hat to help regulate the newborn’s temperature, simple bodysuits, and receiving blankets for swaddling and warmth.
For feeding, hospitals provide ready-to-feed formula for supplementation if parents choose or if medically indicated, often in small, single-use bottles. Before discharge, the baby undergoes several standard medical procedures, including initial weight and length measurements and a comprehensive physical examination. Essential screenings include the hearing test and the Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) screening, which checks oxygen levels using pulse oximetry. Prophylactic treatments like a Vitamin K injection and an antibiotic eye ointment are also administered shortly after birth.
Pain Management and Medications Provided
Managing postpartum pain is a primary focus of hospital care, utilizing a stepped approach that begins with non-opioid medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are the first-line treatments for both vaginal and cesarean recovery, often used together on a scheduled basis for maximum effectiveness. These medications are highly effective at controlling moderate pain and are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
For more severe pain, particularly following a cesarean birth, prescription-strength medications, including opioids, may be used for a short duration and monitored by the care team. Stool softeners or laxatives are also provided, as constipation is a common side effect of childbirth and certain pain medications. Topical treatments, such as numbing sprays or foams containing lidocaine, offer targeted relief for perineal pain and hemorrhoids.
Discharge and Take-Home Supplies
Upon discharge, patients are encouraged to take home any remaining stock of recovery supplies. This is beneficial, as items like the disposable mesh underwear, large maternity pads, and perineal ice packs can be costly to purchase outside the hospital. The peri bottle, which is invaluable for continued hygiene and comfort, is also included in the take-home provisions.
New parents often receive a “discharge bag” containing small samples and unopened supplies intended for the baby’s first days at home. These typically include small packs of diapers and wipes, a bulb syringe for mucus, unused formula bottles, and small tubes of nipple cream or diaper rash ointment. Essential discharge paperwork is also provided, including the baby’s initial medical records, prescription notes for the mother’s continued pain management, and detailed instructions for postpartum recovery and newborn care.