Early discharge of low-birthweight babies

Forty-two breastfed low-birthweight infants were followed up from 2 to 12 weeks for postnatal weight gain after an early discharge from hospital. Thirty one (74%) were discharged within 7 days after birth and 10 (24%) in the second week. Twenty seven (64.3%) had a birth weight between 1501 and 2000 g and 4 (9.5%) weighed 1500 g or less. Mean daily weight gain at home was steady and satisfactory when compared with standards. It is suggested that low-birthweight babies may be discharged as soon as they start sucking well on breast irrespective of their weight at birth and on discharge.