BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS
Your Rights
In the Hospital
You have the right by law to stay in the hospital with your baby
for 48 hours after giving birth vaginally or 96 hours after birth
if you have a cesarean section.
Leaving Early
If you choose to leave early:
- The hospital may not send you and your baby home between 8:00
p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless you ask to leave during that time.
- You have the right to at least one home visit by a nurse. A
home visit is voluntary. If you do not want one, please let your
nurse know.
- The Case Management Department will arrange for this home visit
within 48 hours after you leave the hospital.
Home Visits
If you leave early and choose to have a home visit, the nurse
who visits you at the first home visit will:
- Check you and your new baby to be sure you are both
healthy.
- Answer any questions you may have and offer you information on
feeding and taking care of your new baby.
- If needed, take a small blood sample from the baby for newborn
testing.
- Help arrange check-ups with a doctor, nurse or clinic for both
you and your baby.
For More Information
If you have any questions about your rights under this law, talk
to your doctor, midwife or nurse, or you may call the Department of
Public Health at 617 624-6095, Monday through
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For Complaints
If you feel your rights have been denied under this law, you may
call the Department of Public Health at 800 436-7757 or TD TTY 800
439-2370 24 hours/day.
