Advising on postnatal contraceptive methods, services and support

Midwives are ideally placed to advise women about contraception during pregnancy and in the postnatal stage, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2006) has outlined the 'core care' in relation to contraception that each woman and baby should receive. In some cases, midwives have the opportunity to counsel and advise women who have not accessed advice on contraception prior to their current pregnancy. It is important for midwives to be aware of the available methods of contraception and current advice as to the suitability and efficacy of the methods, as well as when they should be commenced. This article considers the guidelines regarding contraceptive advice in the postnatal period, and provides details of where midwives can access expert contraceptive services and the latest evidence supporting the use of various contraceptive methods.