Early discharge: outcomes of primiparas and their infants.

The effects of early hospital discharge on maternal and infant outcomes were studied by interviewing 21 primiparas choosing early discharge and 21 primiparas with hospital stays longer than 24 hours. Other than supervision of infants for jaundice, conditions requiring medical intervention were not linked to time of discharge. No significant differences occurred in intensity of concerns at one week postpartum. The most intense concerns of primiparas, regardless of length of stay, focused on maternal body image, infant care and behavior, and recognition of signs of illness. Women choosing early discharge had more social support at home following discharge. These findings support the need for greater nursing intervention during the puerperal period and for further research evaluating early discharge programs.