What to Expect After Delivery

Postpartum Care for Vaginal Birth, C-Section, and VBAC

The hours and days after delivery are an important time for both you and your baby. During your hospital stay, our care team supports your physical recovery, emotional well-being, and transition to newborn care. From routine medical assessments to individualized guidance, we help you understand what to expect during postpartum recovery and prepare for a safe transition home.

Postpartum care includes monitoring your health after delivery, supporting infant feeding and bonding, and providing education tailored to your type of birth — whether you had a vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery (C-section), or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Postpartum Care for All Deliveries

Postpartum care begins immediately after birth and continues throughout your hospital stay. Regardless of how your baby is born, our team monitors vital signs, bleeding, uterine healing, pain levels, and overall recovery. Emotional well-being is also an important part of postpartum care, and support is available throughout your stay.

You’ll receive education on normal postpartum changes, including cramping, bleeding, swelling, fatigue, and sleep disruption. Breastfeeding and feeding support are available for all families, along with guidance on newborn care, safe sleep, and recovery at home.

Parents are encouraged to ask questions at any time. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident before discharge.

Postpartum Care and Recovery After Vaginal Delivery

Recovery after vaginal delivery typically focuses on healing of the perineal area and a gradual return to normal activity. Vaginal soreness, swelling, or discomfort is common, especially if tearing or stitches were needed during delivery.

Our care team provides guidance on comfort measures, hygiene, and pain relief to support healing. Vaginal bleeding and uterine contractions are monitored closely, as these help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Early movement and walking are encouraged as you feel able. Most patients experience steady improvement during the first few weeks and can gradually resume daily activities based on their provider’s recommendations.

Postpartum Care and Recovery After C-Section Delivery

Recovery after a C-section includes additional care related to abdominal surgery. During your postpartum hospital stay, our team closely monitors incision healing, pain control, mobility, and signs of infection or complications.

You’ll receive detailed instructions on incision care, including how to keep the area clean and dry and what changes should be reported. Pain management is tailored to support comfort while allowing for safe movement and early bonding with your baby.

Gentle movement is encouraged to promote circulation and healing, while heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided until cleared by your provider. Breastfeeding support is available, including positioning options that help protect the incision during recovery.

Postpartum Care and Recovery After VBAC

Recovery after a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is similar to recovery after vaginal delivery, with a few additional considerations related to your prior cesarean surgery. Most patients experience less pain and a faster recovery after a VBAC compared to a repeat C-section.

In addition to standard postpartum monitoring, our team pays close attention to uterine healing and any abdominal discomfort near the previous cesarean incision. Vaginal bleeding, cramping, and overall recovery are assessed regularly, just as they are after other vaginal births.

While complications related to a prior cesarean scar after delivery are uncommon, it’s important to report any unusual or worsening abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or fever so concerns can be evaluated promptly.

Emotional Health During Postpartum Recovery

Postpartum recovery includes both physical and emotional changes. Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to life with a newborn can affect mood after any type of delivery.

It’s normal to experience mood changes in the early days after birth. However, persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm should be shared with your care team. Support is available, and emotional well-being is an important part of postpartum care.

We also offer a postpartum support group, available virtually in both English and Spanish, for parents seeking connection, encouragement, and additional support during the postpartum period.
Learn more about our postpartum support group (link coming soon).

Preparing for Discharge After Delivery

Before going home, our staff reviews important information to help your family transition safely and confidently. This includes:

• How to care for yourself and your newborn at home
• What is normal during postpartum recovery and what is not
• How and when to schedule follow-up appointments with your obstetrician or pediatrician
• Breastfeeding and feeding support resources
• Warning signs after delivery that require medical attention
• Birth certificate paperwork and required documentation
• Car seat safety guidance

We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns before discharge.

Your Partner in Postpartum Care

Our postpartum team provides compassionate, individualized care following vaginal delivery, C-section, and VBAC. From recovery support to newborn education, we are committed to helping you feel prepared, supported, and confident as you begin life at home with your baby.