Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

• Method options for the breastfeeding woman that can be used immediately postpartum
include: lactational amenorrhea method, condoms, spermicide, female sterilization
(within 7 days or delay 6 weeks), copper IUD (within 48 hours or delay 4 weeks).
• Method options for the breastfeeding woman that should be delayed for 6 weeks include:
Progestogen-only oral contraceptives, Progestogen-only injectables, implants,
diaphragm.
• Method options for the breastfeeding woman that should be delayed for 6 months
include: combined oral contraceptives, combined injectables, fertility awareness
methods.
Advise on sexual intercourse during the postpartum period
Explain to the woman:
• that she can have sex as soon as she is ready and it is comfortable, but she should use
a condom if she still has lochia discharge.
• that unless partners have sex only with each other and are sure that they are both
uninfected, they should practice safer sex. Safer sex means non-penetrative sex (where
the penis does not enter the mouth, vagina, or rectum) or the use of a new latex condom
for every act of intercourse. (Latex condoms are less likely to break or leak than animalskin
condoms or the thinner more “sensitive” condoms.) Condoms should never be
reused.
Advise on danger signs
Advise the woman to go to a hospital or health center immediately, day or night without
waiting, if she experiences any of the following signs:
• Vaginal bleeding: more than two or three pads soaked in 20-30 minutes
after delivery or bleeding increases rather than decreases after delivery.
• Convulsions
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Fever and too weak to get out of
bed
90
Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course