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Discharge From The Maternity Ward

9 July 2026

The birth is behind you, and soon you will be heading home. Here is everything you need to prepare and know for the day of discharge.

Discharge is possible only after an examination by a physician from the maternity ward. It is recommended to confirm in advance that the discharge is scheduled as planned.

It is important to remember: even before being discharged from the hospital, it is recommended to schedule the first appointment at a family care center (Tipat Halav) for two to three days after discharge.

What to bring on the day of discharge

  • Car seat or infant carrier: Required. Without it, the baby will not be discharged from the hospital.
  • Clothing set: Including undershirts, long pants, an outfit, a hat, and a blanket according to the season.
  • Cloth diapers and disposable diapers: For the trip home.
  • Identification card with appendix: The mother's ID card (and the father's, if he is completing the registration).
  • Bank account details: Only for the first birth, for receiving the birth grant.

Paperwork and registration

After birth, the birth notification is automatically sent to the Population and Immigration Authority. The baby's name and birth certificate can be issued while still at the hospital or online after discharge.

What you receive at discharge

  • Discharge letter in 3 copies - for the treating physician, the family care center (Tipat Halav) nurse, and a personal copy.
  • Vaccination record documenting vaccinations and examinations performed at the hospital.
  • Guidance on caring for your baby at home.

Newborn jaundice

A common condition during the first few days of life. If jaundice is present at discharge, you will receive instructions for monitoring bilirubin levels.

Additional information

Information from the guide for new parents before discharge from the hospital

The birth is behind you, your baby is in your arms, and your stay in the maternity ward is coming to an end. The time has come to be discharged from the hospital and take your baby's first trip home.

First, it is important to know that discharge from the maternity ward is possible only after a medical examination of your baby. It is recommended to check with the maternity ward that the discharge is taking place as planned.

Important to remember

Important to remember

Before being discharged from the hospital, it is recommended to schedule the first appointment at a family care center (Tipat Halav) for two to three days after discharge.

What to bring on the day you go home

There are several essential items that are important to bring on the day of discharge:

  • Car seat or infant carrier

    Without a car seat or infant carrier, you cannot take your baby home from the hospital. The car seat must be installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions, and you must make sure your baby is properly secured during every ride.

    Learn how to choose a car seat or infant carrier

  • A set of clothes

    Newborns should be dressed in one more layer than what we are wearing. It is recommended to bring two long-sleeved undershirts, long pants with foot coverings, an outfit, a hat, and a soft blanket - according to the season. Clothes should be washed before first use.

    How to dress babies in summer
    How to dress babies in winter

  • Cloth diaper (muslin, in Hebrew "tetra")

    Soft cloth diapers have many uses - you can place them on your shoulder or on a surface before laying your baby down, use them to wipe up spit-up, use them as a lightweight cover or stroller shade, and more.

  • Newborn diapers for changing

    It is recommended to bring a few disposable or reusable diapers for the trip, in case your baby needs a diaper change.

Paperwork

Along with the items you need to bring, there are several documents and forms that need to be handled at hospital discharge (some can also be completed afterward):

After birth, the "birth notification" - the initial document reporting the birth - is automatically transferred from the hospital to the Population and Immigration Authority. The next step is to update your baby's name and issue a birth certificate. This can be done before discharge from the hospital at a designated Ministry of Interior office station in the hospital. However, it is important to know that this can also be done online after discharge.

More information about birth certificates, choosing a name, registering parents, and more.

The mother should bring her ID card, including the appendix (safach), for discharge. If the father is registering the baby at the hospital, he must bring his ID card and appendix, as well as the mother's ID card and appendix.

For a first birth, you also need to bring the mother's bank account details in order to receive the birth grant.

Discharge from the maternity ward

During the discharge process, you will receive:

Discharge paper for the baby

You will receive the paper in 3 copies: one for your child's pediatrician, one for the nurse at the family care center (Tipat Halav), and one for you to keep (it is important to have it with you if you need to go to the emergency department).

Vaccination record

The record includes the hepatitis B vaccine given at the hospital, the date of the phenylketonuria (PKU) screening test, and the date of the thyroid function test. More information about the vaccination record

Guidance

Before discharge, you will receive detailed information about caring for your baby at home during the first days.

What to do in case of newborn jaundice

Newborn jaundice is a common condition in babies during the first few days after birth. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin - a substance produced when red blood cells break down. When babies with jaundice are discharged, parents receive recommendations for monitoring bilirubin levels. The follow-up test is performed at the hospital or through the HMO, according to the instructions provided at discharge from the hospital. If follow-up monitoring is to continue at the hospital, an appointment for continued monitoring will be provided (a Form 17 authorization is required for each clinic visit).

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