Don't miss the part that says the reasons aren't clear. Not clear? Bwahahahahaha! Janice Berry Columbus, OH *** Early versus late discharge from hospital after childbirth Renfrew MJ, Lang S Date of most recent substantive amendment : 02/02/1994 ABSTRACT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- Objectives: To evaluate the effects of being discharged from hospital within 48 hours after giving birth, in comparison to 4 days or more on breastfeeding duration. Search strategy: The register of clinical trials maintained and updated by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth group. Search strategy developed by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth group. Selection criteria: Studies: All acceptable randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials examining the effects of early and late discharge from hospital after birth, on breastfeeding duration. Participants: Women in the antenatal period who expressed the desire to breastfeed their infants. Interventions: Comparisons of the duration of breastfeeding between women who were discharged from hospital within 48 hours after giving birth and 4 days or later. Outcome measures: For all women, the duration of breastfeeding, the number of feeds given on days 2, 3, and 4 and the need to give additional fluids. Number of studies included: 2; number of studies excluded: 0. Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted and analysed by 2 experienced reviewers. Main results: Multiparous women discharged early from hospital were more likely to be breastfeeding at 6 months post-partum. All women discharged early, were less likely to give supplementary feeds to their babies in the first week following birth. They were also more likely to feed more frequently on days 2 and 4 after birth. Conclusions: Early hospital discharge after giving birth may be beneficial to the continuation of breastfeeding. However, this needs further exploration as the reasons for this are not clear. Citation: Renfrew MJ, Lang S. Early versus late discharge from hospital after childbirth (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 1999. Oxford: Update Software. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---- This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X). See http://www.update-software.com/cochrane.htm or contact Update Software, [log in to unmask], for information on subscribing to The Cochrane Library in your area. Update Software Ltd, Summertown Pavilion, Middle Way, Oxford OX2 7LG, UK (Tel:+44 1865 513902; Fax:+44 1865 516918)