Women will now have immediate and convenient access to contraception following the birth of their child – following the launch of a new improvement project – the Postnatal Contraception Service at Lister Hospital.
The service – one of the first of its kind in the East of England – enables new mothers to make informed choices about their reproductive health and receive contraception without the need for a separate appointment at a GP or sexual health clinic.
Women will be able to access the service shortly after childbirth, before they leave hospital.
Staff in the maternity department who have received dedicated training will be able to offer contraception counselling, information on different methods of contraception and a choice of options that are compatible with breastfeeding. This will all happen before leaving the maternity unit – and before being potentially overwhelmed by the needs and priorities of a new baby.
Dr Inibiokun Orangun, Clinical Director for Obstetrics and Consultant at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust said:
“Access to contraception immediately after childbirth is vital for women who want to plan their families in a way that suits their individual needs.
“We understand that having a baby is a life-changing experience, and this service ensures that women can make decisions about their future reproductive health in a way that is both timely and convenient, without the stress of booking additional appointments.”
Amanda Rowley, Director of Midwifery at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust added:
“We are proud to be developing a service which supports women to make empowered, informed decisions about their contraceptive choices.
“It will also address a longstanding barrier to postnatal contraception, where women have previously been required to visit a separate healthcare provider, such as a GP or sexual health clinic, for contraception advice and prescriptions.”
