More first-time mothers stay at hospital longer

Recent data from 2023 indicates an increase in longer hospital stays postpartum for first-time mothers in Denmark, with stays over two days rising by eight percentage points from 2022. This follows a policy implemented for first-time mothers’ right to a two-day hospital stay after childbirth. Now, 57% of mothers with uncomplicated births benefit from this policy. The right to this two-day stay has been actualized in 19 out of 20 birthing centers, with one Region Zealand center offering it as possible. Mie Ryborg-Larsen from the Parents and Birth Association supports that mothers should only leave when ready, cautioning against subtle pressures to leave sooner. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals question the necessity of the two-day policy, noticing it does not always align with patient need, though it could contribute to increased security for new parents.