Abstract
Background
Women are susceptible to unintended pregnancies in the first year after giving birth,
particularly as consideration of contraception may be a low priority during this time.
Discussing and providing contraception before women leave hospital after giving birth
may prevent rapid repeat pregnancy and its associated risks. Midwives are well placed
to assist with contraceptive decision-making and provision; however, this is not routinely
undertaken by midwives in the Australian hospital setting and little is known regarding
their views and experiences in relation to contraception.
Methods
An anonymous survey was conducted with midwives at two urban hospitals in New South
Wales to better understand their contraceptive knowledge, views and practices regarding
midwifery-led contraception provision in the postpartum period.
Findings
The survey was completed by 128 midwives. Most agreed that information about contraception
provided in the postpartum period is valuable to women, although their knowledge about
different methods was variable. The majority (88%) believed that midwives have a role
in providing contraceptive information, and 79% reported currently providing contraceptive
counselling. However, only 14% had received formal training in this area.
Conclusion
Findings demonstrate that most midwives provide some contraception information and
believe this is an important part of a midwife’s role. Yet most have not undertaken
formal training in contraception. Additional research is needed to explore the content
and quality of midwives’ contraception discussions with women. Training midwives in
contraceptive counselling would ensure women receive accurate information about available
options. Upskilling midwives in contraception provision may increase postpartum uptake
and reduce rapid repeat pregnancies.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 07, 2020
Accepted:
July 23,
2020
Received in revised form:
June 23,
2020
Received:
February 10,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.