What should a clinician assess when considering contraception for a breastfeeding woman?
• A clinician should assess a woman’s postpartum contraceptive needs by taking account of her personal choice, sexual activity, breastfeeding pattern, menstruation, and medical and social factors (Good Practice Point). • Breastfeeding women should be given information about all hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods (Good Practice Point). • Breastfeeding women should be offered information and support to use their chosen method of contraception effectively (Good Practice Point). What are the effects of breastfeeding on ovulation and fertility? • Women should be advised that breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation (Grade B). • Women should be advised that because breastfeeding delays the return of ovulation, all contraceptive methods have low failure rates when used consistently and correctly (Grade C). • Women should be informed that awaiting the onset of menstruation before starting contraception is not advised, as it might put them at risk of unintended pregnancy (Grade
