Early discharge and readmission to hospital in the first month of life in the Northern Region of the UK during 1998: a case cohort study

Abstract
Aims: To study the frequency and associations of early postpartum discharge and infant readmission to hospital. Methods: Infants readmitted to hospital during the first 28 days of life in 1998 in the Northern Region of the UK were studied. Results: A total of 4743 of 11 338 (42%) babies were discharged on or before the first postnatal day. Rates of early discharge varied significantly between hospitals. Infants Conclusions: Early discharge occurred variably in the Northern Region in 1998. It is not associated with readmission to hospital. Breast feeding is associated with lower rates of readmission to hospital.