The birthing process represents a traumatic eviction from the warm, quiet womb with a constant supply of food to the cold, bright world with nothing to eat. Tremendous physiologic strains are suddenly placed on the newborn infant. In a time frame of a few days, the neonate must transition successfully to extrauterine life, and the family must be prepared for the care of their newborn at home. This article reviews the physiologic and social issues that face the newborn and mother, discusses the specific issues created by early discharge, and provides suggested criteria for the timing of discharge of the well term neonate.