It’s best to stay at least 48–72 hours after a vaginal birth, and 3–5 days after a C-section. Even when there are no complications during child birth, it is still very important you stay for close monitoring. For You (The Mother) 1. Bleeding (Lochia): Bleeding should be reducing, not increasing. No large clots. 2. Uterus Firmness: Your uterus should be firm and shrinking. 3. Pain Management: Your pain (whether from vaginal delivery or C-section) should be under control. 4. No Signs of Infection: No fever No foul-smelling vaginal discharge No redness, pain, or swelling in the C-section wound or perineal area 5. Blood Pressure & Sugar: Should be stable, especially if you had preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. 6. Passing Urine & Stool Comfortably: Make sure you can pee and poop without difficulty. 7. Breastfeeding Initiation: Baby latching well, no cracked or painful nipples. 8. Mental & Emotional Well-being: No severe anxiety, sadness, or mood swings (postpartum blues are normal, but severe depression signs need attention). 9. Mobility: You should be able to walk, move, and care for yourself without difficulty. For Baby 🍼 1. Breastfeeding: Baby is latching and feeding well. 2. Pee & Poop: Baby has started passing urine and meconium (first stool). 3. Temperature & Vitals: Baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate are stable. 4. Jaundice Check: No visible yellowing of the skin and eyes. 5. Weight: Baby’s weight loss is within normal range (up to 10% loss in the first few days is okay but should be monitored). 6. Cord Care: No infection or foul smell from the umbilical cord stump. 7. Screening Tests: Newborn screening tests (like hearing test, metabolic screening, etc.) are done. 8. No Breathing Difficulty: Baby is breathing comfortably without grunting or flaring nostrils. Never hesitate to ask the nurses and doctors about anything you’re unsure of instead of asking that your aunty in the village 🧑‍🍼🤱 Alagba Peace Chisom #FOLLOWVICTORYCHIAMAKABENJAMIN #Health #MotherandBaby #NurseVictory