a. Planning for discharge should begin at time of admission.

An infant in normal health is discharged from the hospital at the same time as the mother.

b. Instructions for parents (teaching should be continuous).

(1) Feeding schedule.

(2) Bathing routine.

(3) Home care needs.

(4) Umbilical cord stump care.

(5) Infant safety in the car.

c. Prior to discharge, a follow-up appointment date should be arranged for the newborn (local policy determines the date-two, four, or six weeks).

d. A final identification check of the mother and the infant must be performed before the infant can be allowed to leave the hospital.