Early Postpartum Discharge: Implications for Canadian program development.
Early postpartum discharge (EPD) programs could soon become normative for low-risk women in Canada. To meet new mothers' health care, educational, and psychosocial needs, EPD programs must reflect a deeper understanding of the immediate postpartum period. Structured teaching in hospital must be replaced by a fluid, individualistic approach to mother-infant care. Family physicians can play a vital role.