Key points
- For most healthy pregnancies, vaginal birth is the safer choice.
- Breastfeed 8–12 times every 24 hours to build your milk supply.
- Frequent feeding helps prevent newborn jaundice.
- Plan a postpartum check within 3 weeks of birth.
What happens at this visit?
We may do an ultrasound to estimate your baby’s size and confirm the head is down, and a cervical exam to see whether your body is getting ready for labor. We review your GBS result and your plan if it was positive.
Vaginal birth or cesarean: which is better?
For most healthy pregnancies, vaginal birth is the safer choice. We recommend cesarean when it is safer for you or your baby.
| Vaginal birth | Cesarean birth | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital stay | Usually 1–2 days | Usually 2–4 days |
| Recovery | Faster; most feel better within 1–2 weeks | Major surgery; 6 weeks or more |
| Main risks | Perineal tears, bleeding | Infection, bleeding, blood clots, injury to bladder or bowel, anesthesia risks |
| Future pregnancies | Fewer added risks | Higher risk of placenta problems and uterine rupture; may limit future vaginal birth |
| Baby | Fewer breathing problems | More short-term breathing problems |
How will I heal after a vaginal birth?
Many first-time mothers have a small tear (laceration) of the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus. Tears are graded 1 (skin only) to 4 (reaching the rectum), and most are first or second degree. To help healing:
- Warm sitz baths 2–3 times a day
- A donut cushion for sitting
- Ice packs for the first 24 hours, a peri-bottle for rinsing, and witch hazel pads
- Stool softeners to avoid straining
- Acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain
What is pelvic floor therapy?
Pregnancy and birth stretch the muscles that support your bladder, bowel and uterus. A pelvic floor physical therapist can help with leaking urine, pelvic pain, painful sex or weakness. Ask us for a referral; it is helpful after both vaginal and cesarean births.
Why breastfeed?
Breast milk is the ideal food for most babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk alone for about 6 months, then continuing along with foods for 2 years or longer as desired. Any amount helps.
- For your baby: antibodies that protect against infections, ear infections and diarrhea; lower risk of SIDS, asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes
- For you: lower lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure; helps the uterus shrink; may help with weight loss; supports bonding
How do I build a good milk supply?
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin and breastfeed within the first hour.
- Feed on demand, 8–12 times every 24 hours — about every 2–3 hours, including at night.
- Watch for early hunger cues: rooting, sucking on hands.
- Drink to thirst and eat well: about 450–500 extra calories a day, with protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Keep taking your prenatal vitamin.
- Ask the hospital’s lactation consultant for help if latching hurts or you are worried about supply.
What is newborn jaundice?
Many babies develop yellow skin or eyes in the first week as their bodies clear bilirubin. Frequent feeding helps babies pass bilirubin in their stool. Your baby’s level is checked before you leave the hospital. If it is high, the baby is treated with phototherapy (blue light), which is safe and effective. Call your pediatrician if yellowing spreads to the belly or legs, or your baby is very sleepy or not feeding well.
What should I expect after delivery?
- Postpartum check: ACOG recommends contact with your doctor within 3 weeks of birth and a full visit by 12 weeks. If you had high blood pressure, we will check it within 3–10 days.
- Your mood: “Baby blues” in the first 2 weeks are common. Sadness, anxiety or hopelessness lasting more than 2 weeks may be postpartum depression — call us. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 911 or 988 right away. Help is available and treatment works. Postpartum depression and baby blues.
When should I go to the hospital?
Use the 5-1-2 rule, and go right away if your water breaks, you have bleeding like a period, or your baby is moving less. HCA Florida University Hospital Labor & Delivery, 3476 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 · 954-475-5758.
Next visit: Weekly until delivery.
Go to Labor & Delivery right away for heavy vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, decreased fetal movement, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, or regular contractions before 37 weeks. Do not wait for a callback. HCA Florida University Hospital Labor & Delivery, 3476 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 · 954-475-5758. In an emergency, call 911. When to call or go to the hospital.
Important: This information is general education about a typical pregnancy. It is not medical advice and may not apply to you. Every patient’s care is personalized to her own health history, test results and needs, so your plan may differ from what is described here. Always follow the instructions your doctor gives you. Questions? Call Davie ObGyn at 954-880-1010. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: October 7, 2026. Content follows current recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.