July 2024
Women’s experience of contraceptive and breastfeeding support from their general practitioner in the postpartum period
Allyce B Counsell1, Katherine Vaclavek2, Kate Cheney2, Melissa Kang1, Kirsten Black1
1The University of Sydney, General Practice Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW
2The University of Sydney, Sydney Nursing and Midwifery School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW
3The University of Sydney, Specialty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW
Background and objectives
The immediate postpartum period is a critical window for reproductive life planning. Provision of comprehensive postpartum care and contraception advice can lead to improved maternal and foetal outcomes. In this study, we aim to describe and examine postpartum contraception use, rates of breastfeeding and receipt of postpartum care within metropolitan Sydney (NSW) at 12 weeks’ postpartum.
Methods
Women who are >36 weeks’ gestation were recruited from two hospitals in metropolitan Sydney. Data were collected via an e-survey at 12 weeks’ postpartum. Data analysis will report on frequencies with differences calculated using chi-squared tests. Log-binomial regression will examine associations between sociodemographic/obstetric factors and contraception use and breastfeeding continuation.
Results
Recruitment is continuing to reach a sample size of 200. There are currently 99 participants and 23 surveys completed. No preliminary results are available.
Discussion
Our findings will potentially help to inform postpartum care and practice, leading to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.