What to expect after delivery
Congratulations on the arrival of your little one!
We understand that this is an exciting and transformative time for you and your family. After the delivery of your baby, also known as the fourth trimester, we are here to help ensure that both you and your newborn receive the care and support you need to recover and adjust to this new chapter in your life.
Your care team is here to guide you through this transitional period, offering assistance, education, and support every step of the way.
What happens after delivery?
You may realize that your body changes a lot after you give birth. Some changes are physical, like your breasts getting full of milk, and others are emotional, like feeling a little extra stress.
Remember that your body has just been through a challenging experience, and it is normal to feel sore and uncomfortable. Talk to your provider if anything worries you.
After-delivery appointments
After delivery, these important appointments will be scheduled for you:
- Your OB-GYN or midwife will continue to play an important role after delivery. They will monitor your physical recovery, address any concerns or complications, and provide guidance on contraception and family planning.
- You’ll have a visit with a pediatrician within the first week after delivery. The pediatrician will examine your newborn, assess their overall health, perform necessary screenings and tests, and provide guidance on feeding, growth, and development.
- Your primary care physician can also be involved in your after-delivery care. They may focus on your overall health and well-being, addressing any non-obstetric concerns you may have.
You’ll also have the option of meeting with other specialists:
- Lactation consultant if you choose to breastfeed. They can help with breastfeeding techniques, provide support and guidance to overcome challenges, and ensure that both you and your baby are having a successful breastfeeding experience. Call our lactation warmline at 616.391.9437 to schedule an appointment
- Physical therapist if you require rehabilitation after childbirth
- Mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns
Remember the specific provider you need to visit may vary depending on your individual needs. It is important to consult with your OB-GYN provider for personalized guidance on post-delivery care and to create a comprehensive care plan tailored to your needs.
Create a MyChart account
As part of your care during pregnancy, we encourage you to create a MyChart account at mychart.spectrumhealth.org.
You can also download the MyChart app through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
This account will also allow you to see test results, email your provider, refill prescriptions, request appointments, and see office visit notes.
Your MyChart account will provide these benefits beyond your pregnancy and connect you with all of your Spectrum Health providers.
We’re here to help you understand what happens during your pregnancy journey
You may have many questions about this final stage of your pregnancy. We are committed to providing you with comprehensive answers and resources to make you feel as confident and comfortable as possible.
Refer to our Question Guide for things that you may want to ask your provider during your appointments.
Refer to our FAQ page for commonly asked questions and answers.
Financial support and assistance
We recognize that giving birth and post-delivery can feel overwhelming on its own without the additional burden of financial concerns. We are committed to helping you in any way we can, including offering financial support and assistance to those who are eligible.
Additional resources
As a Baby-Friendly® organization, we support mothers who want to breastfeed. Our breastfeeding experts will help you understand the steps to a successful breastfeeding and bonding experience. Each of our registered nurses in our family birthing centers has been trained to support mothers during breastfeeding, and many are even certified breastfeeding counselors.
We also have lactation consultants or lactation peer counselors available to help you. You can get free breastfeeding support and coaching with a lactation expert using a secure video connection.
Call our lactation warmline at 616.391.9437 to schedule an appointment.
Pelvic floor therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles after childbirth. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis, supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel. During pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic floor muscles undergo significant strain and strengthening, which can result in weakness, pelvic pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, and other issues. Pelvic floor therapy aims to address these issues and promote recovery and function.
Our compassionate therapists have specialized training in pelvic disorders and offer a wide variety of treatment options. Schedule an appointment by calling 616.267.2626, option 5.
We know you will have questions throughout and after your pregnancy, and we have experts here to help. We offer both in-person and online opportunities to learn skills that will help you feel informed, prepared, and confident in your journey.
Downloadable resources
This booklet will help answer questions most new parents ask. It also reviews educational information given to you during your hospital stay.
This booklet is designed to answer your questions about breastfeeding and reinforce the educational information you were given during your hospital stay.
This booklet is designed to answer your questions about bottle feeding and reinforce the educational information you were given during your hospital stay.
Continue your journey with us
We are here to support you and find you the best care possible.