Is your due date approaching? Here’s a complete guide to help you understand what happens during a stay in the maternity ward, how long it lasts, and how to experience it as peacefully as possible thanks to our 8 essential tips.
Article Summary
How long does a maternity stay last?
On average, the length of a postpartum stay is 3 to 5 days, whether in a public hospital or a private clinic. However, this duration depends on many factors:
- vaginal birth with epidural;
- physiological birth;
- cesarean section (reduced mobility, monitoring, scar care);
- multiple birth;
- premature baby;
- the mother's physical and emotional health;
- possible complications: fever, hemorrhage, venous issues…;
- baby’s progress: weight gain, tone, adaptation;
- building the mother–baby bond.
Every situation is unique, and going home is always decided with the medical team.
Can you leave the maternity ward earlier?
Yes, under certain conditions. If your baby is born at term (38 weeks or more) and everything is going well for both of you, the PRADO program from the French Health Insurance allows an early return home with follow-up by a midwife.
The team ensures in particular:
- that your health is stable;
- that breastfeeding or baby’s feeding is progressing well;
- that baby begins to regain weight after the normal initial loss during the first days.
Talk to the obstetrics team: this option exists and is supervised.
What do days look like in the maternity ward?
The first days in the maternity ward often follow a well-established rhythm designed to take care of you and your newborn. Mornings are usually the busiest, with various care procedures and small check-ups.
For the mother, the team monitors your recovery:
- blood pressure, pulse, and temperature checks;
- monitoring the uterus and bleeding;
- checking stitches if needed;
- support with milk production and overall comfort.
For the baby, several checks take place throughout the day:
- daily weighing;
- hearing screening test;
- temperature monitoring;
- Guthrie test (a simple and quick screening for rare diseases).
Throughout the day, the team will guide you through daily care gestures: cord care, diaper changes, bath, and positions for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
These learning moments, sometimes filled with emotion, help you gradually gain confidence before going home.
Skin-to-skin contact: a precious ally
Right after birth, skin-to-skin becomes a true cocoon for your baby. This closeness helps your newborn transition smoothly into the outside world and offers many benefits:
- it helps stabilize your baby’s temperature;
- it naturally strengthens the parent–baby bond;
- it soothes crying and reduces stress;
- it stimulates milk production if you are breastfeeding.
And this precious moment isn’t only for the mother: the co-parent can also practice skin-to-skin.
A simple gesture, but incredibly important for building a strong family bond from the very first moments.
How are nights in the maternity ward?
After the effort of birth, which is also intense for your baby, the first night in the maternity ward can be surprisingly calm. Often, baby sleeps, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the moment, adapt to their rhythm, and start building your sleep habits together.
The midwives remain available at any time to help or reassure you. In some maternity wards, a nursery can take care of your baby for a few hours — a precious option if exhaustion sets in.
But beware… no one warned you about what happens on the second night. New moms, let us introduce you to: the Second-Night Syndrome.
What is the newborn’s "second-night syndrome"?
This term commonly refers to the newborn’s second night, characterized by:
– very frequent feeding;
– frequent crying;
– unusual restlessness;
– a strong need for contact and warmth.
This behavior, sometimes unsettling, is actually perfectly normal. Baby is discovering the world, seeking the security of contact… and naturally stimulating milk production.
The medical team is there to support you and help you get through this stage peacefully.
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Discover the lingerie →Our 8 tips for a smooth maternity stay
1. Visit the maternity ward during pregnancy
Whether it’s your first child or you’re planning to give birth in a place you don’t know yet, visiting the space where you’ll spend your first days with your baby is often reassuring.
You’ll be able to picture yourself there and think about what could bring you comfort during those days.
Feel free to ask about the organization and routines of the ward. No question is silly or superficial. For example, some maternity wards give newborn baths in a communal nursery, while others have a bathtub in each room. Conversely, you may prefer to wait several days before giving baby their first bath — this can be discussed in advance.
Whatever your questions may be, ask them!
2. Share the stay with your partner
If your maternity ward allows partners to stay overnight, their presence — especially at night — can be incredibly helpful. Many moms feel emotional in the evening as visiting hours end. Having the co-parent with you means they can support you and take care of the baby. It makes the early days much smoother! Yes, there may be arguments due to fatigue and uncertainty as new parents — but also laughter! Whatever happens, these are unforgettable moments to share.
3. Limit visitors
Even if you're eager to introduce your little one to everyone, try to limit visits to your closest circle. This allows you to manage your time according to your needs and your baby’s, without pressure. It also helps you navigate postpartum challenges: heavy pads, milk coming in, episiotomy or C-section recovery, etc. If you’re breastfeeding, you'll be able to learn at your own pace with the help of midwives, without constant interruptions — which can be stressful, especially for a first-time mom. And you won't feel the need to be “presentable,” relieving some mental load!
4. Bring some “comfort food”
Sushi delivery drivers know maternity wards very well! After pregnancy restrictions and hospital meals that aren’t always appealing, you’ll be happy to have food you love on hand. This is the perfect time to treat yourself to your favorite dishes — good for your morale and physical recovery. Don’t forget drinks, and a kettle if you’re a tea or herbal tea lover. Tip: keep the cutlery from your meal tray so you can eat whenever you want!
5. Bring things to keep you occupied during your stay
Mornings are often busy with medical staff coming in and out. Afternoons and evenings tend to be calmer. You’ll spend a lot of time resting or admiring your baby, but you may also want distractions. Prepare for these moments: series on a tablet or laptop, books, a journal… Choose what suits you best, remembering to take care of yourself. Headphones or earbuds can be very useful!
6. Make the room feel like home
A hospital room is cold and impersonal. And if there’s one moment when you’ll want to feel cozy, it’s during your maternity stay. Some items can help:
- A night light for softer lighting, especially in the evening and at night.
- Your pillow and possibly some bedding.
- Photos that matter to you.
- Your favorite skincare products.
- Slippers for moving around the ward.
- Soft, comfortable clothing.
- A kettle if you enjoy tea or herbal infusions.
- A small speaker if you’re alone in your room.
Anything that contributes to your well-being is welcome!
7. Assert your choices
Even surrounded by caring professionals, you may have preferences for yourself and your baby — and you have every right to express them. Whether it concerns breastfeeding or parenting style, you are the decision-maker for your newborn! However, due to fatigue and hormonal shifts, it can be difficult to speak up. Don’t hesitate to prepare a birth/postpartum plan and share it with your partner so they can advocate for you if needed!
8. Build your postpartum “support team”
During pregnancy, gather information about specialists who can support you after birth. Lactation consultants, midwives, osteopaths, psychologists — many professionals can help with perinatal issues. You can meet them beforehand and ask when and how to contact them. Head to the maternity ward knowing you already have a strong support system! Knowing who to call when questions arise is extremely reassuring.
A peaceful stay begins… even before arriving at the maternity ward!
To help you pack without stress, check out our detailed maternity hospital bag checklist.
We wish you a wonderful first meeting with your baby!
FAQ – Your questions about the maternity stay
How long does a maternity stay last?
The average stay lasts 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of birth, the mother's health, the baby's condition, and any complications.
Can you leave the maternity ward earlier?
Yes, under certain conditions. If the baby is born at term and healthy, the PRADO program allows an early return home with midwife follow-up.
What do days look like in the maternity ward?
Days are structured around check-ups and care: blood pressure and uterine monitoring for the mother, weighing, hearing test, and care for the baby. The staff also teaches daily care gestures (cord care, diaper changes, bathing, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding positions).
What is skin-to-skin contact and why is it important?
Skin-to-skin involves placing baby naked against the parent’s body. It stabilizes temperature, reinforces bonding, soothes crying, and stimulates milk production. The co-parent can also practice it.
How are nights in the maternity ward?
The first nights can be challenging: baby sleeps little, feeds frequently, and wakes often. It’s recommended to rest when baby rests and ask midwives for help if needed. Some maternity wards offer a nursery.
What is the newborn’s “second-night syndrome”?
It’s the baby’s second night, often marked by very frequent feeding, crying, and restlessness. This is normal and helps stimulate milk production.
What tips help ensure a smooth maternity stay?
Visit the maternity ward during pregnancy, share the stay with your partner, limit visits, bring comfort food, pack items for entertainment, make the room cozy, assert your choices, and build your postpartum support team.