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 guide-lines 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 moth-ers (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. In 1995, the average length of stay forAlberta mothers and infants (2.6 days)was the shortest in Canada.1 Few stud-ies have examined earlier discharge in rela-tion to Canadian practice guideline