Preparing to Go Home

Aside from your delivery day, perhaps no other day is as special as the day you and your baby leave the hospital to go home for the first time. In order to ensure a smooth departure from Valley Presbyterian Hospital, several routine procedures must be completed:

• Your physician will write the discharge orders for you and your baby. Depending on the type of delivery you had and your baby's particular health needs, you may go home within one to four days after delivery.
• Any tests required by the state for your baby, such as hearing and blood tests, will be performed before you are discharged.
• Your nurse will give you discharge instructions and sign your paperwork before you are released. She will make sure all identification is correct and ask you to sign a form stating this.
• Please make sure your baby's birth certificate is complete and accurate before leaving the hospital.
• As outlined on the Prepare for your Stay page, California law requires that all newborns be transported in a car seat. Please make sure you know how to properly install and operate your infant car seat. Following California car seat and seat belt laws can help protect your baby, avoid fines, and most importantly, save lives.

Your Baby's Birth Certificate and Birth Registry: No Detail is Too Small

Securing an accurate birth certificate for your new baby before leaving the hospital is very important. Valley Presbyterian Hospital prides itself in recording timely and accurate birth data for your new baby. This commitment to accurate birth registry has resulted in our receiving the California Department of Public Health's "Complete Recording of Birth Certificate Data in Los Angeles County" award in 2022.

Click here to learn more about your baby's Birth Certificate.

Questions? We can help. Contact us at 818.902.5222.

Mother and Baby At Home

To continue your parental education, we encourage you to take advantage of our free Maternal Child Health Education classes at Valley Presbyterian Hospital. To help inform you about breastfeeding, infant care, and other important responsibilities involving your baby, our Maternity Services offers a wide selection of free classes.

All classes are offered in English and Spanish, unless otherwise noted, and are held in Valley Presbyterian Hospital's Health Education Center. Please plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before class to verify registration. Valet parking is available in the parking lot at the front entrance on Vanowen Street. All classes are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Click here to learn more.