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Information should be provided in different formats for women to access when they feel ready, and healthcare professionals should practice compassion, empathy and sensitivity and understand why women may want to wait to receive certain information on contraception, including following pregnancy and baby loss. a. Ensure that guidance on contraception after pregnancy is available in accessible formats for all women and birthing partners (including male methods). This information must also be culturally sensitive and available in different languages. b. Ensure that providers adhere to the National Bereavement Care Pathway Guidance and Sands guidance when discussing contraceptive plans with women who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss. c. Ensure that contraception is discussed but never imposed on women who have needed an abortion, and that individuals are supported in selecting and using the method that best aligns with their needs and values. A non-directive, person-centred approach is essential to uphold reproductive autonomy and deliver respectful, high-quality care.
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The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare should develop a service standard on post-pregnancy contraception, which aligns with the CoSRH guidance on Contraception after Pregnancy , and these standards should be used to audit PPC services annually .
Recommendations for Workforce and Training:
1
The NHS should continue to review the need for more resources and capacity for professionals working in maternity services, including investing in and expanding the workforce so that staff have adequate time for education and training on contraception, and more time for contraceptive counselling and provision.
2
The NHS and higher education institutions should launch a review of future investment in education and training, including undergraduate and postgraduate curriculums to ensure that midwives and other healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide PPC.
3
The RCOG should embed Contraception including PPC into their O&G curriculum, recognising the need for obstetricians as well as all other maternity staff to provide advice and, where possible, postnatal contraceptive care.
4
Assessments should be made of the current contraceptive training opportunities for the maternity workforce and those working in abortion-care services. Consideration should be made to embedding specific skills into training pathways, including Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) competencies (Sub-Dermal Implant (SDI), Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive (PPIUC)).
5
Employers should reserve time in job plans of healthcare professionals involved in delivering PPC services for training, peer support, and mentorship.
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