Your stay in the maternity unit

Your stay in the maternity unit — a moment that is both dreaded and eagerly anticipated. Anticipated, of course, because it means you are finally going to meet your baby… and dreaded because it is always a little bit unknown, even for a mum who has been through it before!

No need to panic — here are a few tips to help you prepare for your stay in the maternity unit and make the most of it.

How to prepare for your stay?

First of all, know that you are going to a place with all the necessary comforts, and that you will not be cold or hungry (we certainly hope not!).

To prepare for your stay in the maternity unit, start by packing your bags! Your midwife has most likely given you the birth list so you know what to bring for your baby. If not, there are plenty of lists to be found online, and you can always ask your friends!

As for yourself, pack as many comfortable clothes as possible, and an outfit to wear on the day you leave the maternity unit.

During your stay in the maternity unit

On average, a woman who has given birth vaginally stays 3 to 4 days in the maternity unit, compared with 5 to 6 days for a woman who has had a caesarean section. For a premature baby, the length of hospitalisation exceeds 10 days and is then assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This may surprise you, but the watchword is: MAKE THE MOST OF IT! Of course, it is nothing like a spa break — you will probably be very tired and the maternity unit can be quite noisy — but make the most of your stay to ask for and receive all the help available! The medical team is there to support you in your role as a new mum, so do not hesitate to ask all the questions that are on your mind: latching on, breastfeeding, sleep cycles, bathing your baby, bleeding, any aches and pains… don't hold back!

If your due date is fast approaching, we wish you a wonderful birth and a lovely stay at the maternity unit!