Popular Locations
- Yale New Haven Children's Hospital
- Yale New Haven Hospital - York Street Campus
- Yale New Haven Hospital - Saint Raphael Campus
When it's time to leave the hospital and bring your baby home, we'll provide you with information to help answer many of the questions you'll have in the first two weeks. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go home too.
Your physician or nurse will inform you of your discharge time. We strive to discharge all patients who are medically ready for discharge by 11 am. We will not rush a discharge - the goal is a safe, timely discharge for all patients.
You will receive instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, medication, activities or other matters, please be sure to ask.Make sure you and your baby have a comfortable, seasonally-appropriate outfit to wear home. Also, your baby must ride home in an approved infant car seat. It is often helpful to have the car seat installed prior to coming to the hospital. Yale New Haven Hospital will install your car seat at no charge, courtesy of our Injury and Prevention Program. Call today at 203-200-KIDS (5437) to make an appointment.
Learn more about car seat safety and how to spot counterfeit car seats here.
For questions about parking, current parking garage or valet parking rates at the York Street Campus, call Parking and Transportation at 203-688-2623, weekdays 7:30 am - 4 pm.
Please note: the main entrance to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (1 Park Street) is temporarily closed. Maternity patients and visitors should use the Smilow Cancer Hospital entrance, 35 Park Street. See our Children's Hospital Entrance Change Parking and Location Instructions for more details.
When you first come home, you may wish to just be alone with your new family. Accept offers of help, but leave enough time to rest. "Sleep when the baby sleeps" is also a good rule to follow.
Many women have normal discomfort after giving birth. Below are common things you may experience:
Below are common things that are normal for newborns in the first days home:
Call your healthcare provider, physician's office or midwife immediately if you experience:
Call your baby's pediatrician or healthcare provider if you see:
You will need to see your health care provider about six weeks after the delivery of your baby or sooner if you had complications. During this visit, your doctor or midwife will check your weight, blood pressure, size of the uterus, any stitches or discharge you may have and your general health. It's a good time to ask questions and discuss birth control options with your health care provider too.
Your baby will need to be seen by a healthcare provider within days of going home. During this visit, your baby's healthcare provider will check the baby's weight and talk with you about your baby's feedings. This is a great time to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have.
Learn about what parents should do during the National Infant Formula Shortage.