A new network to help improve postpartum contraception care

Monash University

A collaborative, multi-disciplinary network focusing on postpartum contraception care has been established by Dr Jessica Botfield, Senior Research Fellow from Monash University’s SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence, to improve postpartum contraception provision in Australia.

According to earlier research, 20 per cent of pregnancies in Australia occur within one year of a previous birth and most of these are unintended.

Closely spaced pregnancies are associated with greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, obstetric complications, stillbirth, preterm birth and neonatal mortality. They also place physical, social, mental and financial burdens on women and families.

The recently established Postpartum Contraception Network is for researchers, clinicians, public health and other professionals working in, or with interests in, research and clinical practice.

The Network is also suitable for those working in policy relating to access to postpartum contraception information and services in primary care, community and hospital settings in Australia and similar countries.

Membership in the network provides an opportunity for connection, support and collaboration.

The Postpartum Contraception Network will meet online several times a year, with additional communication and activities as needed.

Dr Botfield said her hope for the future is that, “all postpartum women have access to contraception information and services to support pregnancy planning and healthy intervals between pregnancies.”

“There are so many opportunities for enhancing postpartum contraception management in Australia – among maternity care providers (including general practitioners, midwives and nurses) and across hospital, community and primary care settings,” Dr Botfield said.

The preliminary objectives of the Postpartum Contraception Network are to:

Identify and progress key priorities relating to postpartum contraception
Share and disseminate good practice for postpartum contraception care
Create opportunities to develop research ideas and form multidisciplinary collaborations
Advocate for evidence-informed policy and practice in postpartum contraception care

If you are interested in joining the Network please contact Dr Jessica Botfield at [email protected] to register your interest or visit the Network web page.

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