A study led by Monash University has highlighted a critical gap in postnatal care, focusing on the overlooked topic of contraception for new mothers. The research reveals that early access to contraceptive information and services after childbirth can support family planning, helping mothers better manage the spacing between pregnancies, which contributes to healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The study, conducted by the SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence at Monash University, sheds light on the role general practitioners (GPs) play in providing contraceptive care during the ‘6-week check’—a routine review of both mother and baby six to eight weeks after birth. Published in the Medical Journal of Australia, the findings emphasise the need for improved guidance on postpartum contraception, ensuring that mothers have the resources to make informed decisions.
Dr Jessica Botfield, the study’s senior author, noted that GPs are in a prime position to offer both contraceptive education and services to new mothers. She believes that discussions about contraception should form a regular part of the postnatal check-ups, helping women plan their pregnancies and avoid unintended ones.
“Access to contraception information and services during the postpartum period is essential, especially when women might be at risk of an unintended pregnancy soon after giving birth,” Dr Botfield said. “Unfortunately, this is not something that’s always discussed during the 6-week check, leaving some mothers without the guidance they need.”
The study found that conversations about contraception should ideally happen during both antenatal and postnatal visits, allowing women the opportunity to make well-informed decisions. According to Dr Botfield, addressing these needs could significantly reduce the chances of short intervals between pregnancies, which have been linked to a higher risk of complications for both mother and child.
The research also delves into GPs’ experiences and perspectives on providing contraceptive care to mothers. Among the 23 Australian GPs interviewed, the majority were female and practiced in metropolitan areas. Many pointed out the challenges they face, including the lack of national guidelines and limited resources for delivering contraception advice during postnatal care.
Suggestions from the GPs included:
- Establishing national guidelines for postpartum contraceptive care.
- Enhancing collaboration between maternity providers, such as midwives and child health nurses, to streamline the process.
- Expanding access to contraceptive education for GPs, with a focus on long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods like IUDs and implants.
- Offering financial incentives to GPs for training in contraceptive services, particularly for LARC methods.
Dr Botfield believes these steps are crucial for improving postpartum contraceptive care and ensuring mothers receive the support they need. “Short interpregnancy intervals—defined as less than 12 months between pregnancies—are associated with higher risks for both mothers and their babies,” she explained. “By providing better access to contraceptive services and advice, we can help reduce those risks and promote healthier family planning.”
The research follows earlier studies by SPHERE on women’s views regarding postpartum contraception and the responsibilities for providing such advice in Australia. With these findings, it is clear that postpartum contraceptive care needs to become a more central focus in maternal health, ensuring that new mothers have the tools to make informed decisions for their families.
Led by Jenna Perkins as part of her Honours research under Dr Botfield’s supervision, the study marks a meaningful step toward improving how GPs deliver contraceptive care to new mothers in Australia.
As postnatal care evolves, this research underscores the importance of integrating contraception into routine maternal check-ups, helping mothers navigate this crucial period with greater clarity and confidence.
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