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Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1998;152:411.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 141 words of the full text and any section headings.

In reading the article, "Maternal and Infant Health: Effects of Moderate Reduction in Postpartum Length of Stay,"¹ I noted one of the conclusions was for researchers and policy makers to seek a better definition of postpartum services necessary for achieving optimal outcomes for women and newborns. I agree that this topic needs to be researched and discussed. I am proud, however, of the American Academy of Pediatrics list of criteria² that should be met before discharge, no matter what the length of stay. This is an obvious starting point for evaluation, to see which of these are most important and which are of lesser importance when looking at neonatal outcomes. Obviously, the availability of services and support is more important than where the services are given.

Carden Johnston, MD
Children's Hospital of Alabama
1600 Seventh Ave, Suite 001
Birmingham, AL 35233-1711

1. Mandl KD, Brennan TA, Wise PH, Tronick EZ, Homer CJ. Maternal and infant health: effects of moderate reduction in postpartum length of stay. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997;151:915-921. ABSTRACT 2. Hauth JC, ed, Merestein GB, ed. Reference Guidelines for Perinatal Care. 4th ed. Elk Grove Village, Ill: American Academy of Pediatrics; 1997:164-173.