The health visitor will have seen how she is coping with the baby, and will probably have had a chance to observe her relationship with her partner and with other members of the family. She may well have some insight into the future family intentions of the woman and her partner. Either sheaths or the contraceptive pill (the progestogen-only pill if she is breast feeding) will probably be the most medically appropriate methods at this stage, but as always, a balance must be sought between what is medically advisable and the woman’s preferred method, or indeed whether she wishes to use contraception at all. To help her with this decision, the family planning training of health visitors and midwives is very important.
The early postnatal weeks are a time of great potential for helping the woman with a chaotic lifestyle. If it is possible for the woman to use some form of contraception and thus provide a breathing space before the next pregnancy, it can be the first stage in helping her to take some control over her own life. However, the subject has to be raised with great tact as the woman may feel that she is being coerced by heavy-handed people in authority. The idea of birth spacing is usually more acceptable than contraception. It is also important to explore and value any fears and mythical beliefs about the methods that she may have.
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