Bringing Home Your New Baby

Whether you've had a long or short stay in hospital, bringing home your baby is a momentous occasion, and one you've probably been eagerly awaiting from the moment you found out you were expecting! It can also be a little overwhelming, as while you're in hospital you have the support of the midwives and doctors, but at home you'll have to cope without this support network. Every parent feels nerves as well as excitement at the prospect of caring for their baby on their own, but don't feel rushed into leaving the hospital. Make sure you feel ready, and ask the doctors or midwives any questions you have about breastfeeding, caring for your baby, postnatal appointments etc, before you leave. Our section on bringing home your new baby is full of tips on how to make this transition easier, including articles on how to make your home safe for your baby, coping with visitors, and introducing your new arrival to family pets.