An exploratory study of the perception of contraceptive safety and impact on lactation among postpartum nurses at Women and Infants Hospital in 2017

Abstract

Objective: To describe contraceptive knowledge and counseling practices of postpartum nurses.

Methods: We surveyed postpartum nurses at the largest women's hospital in Rhode Island.

Results: We distributed 117 anonymous questionnaires and received 58 responses (response rate=50%). Twenty-three of 51 nurses (45%) reported routinely offering contraceptive advice to new mothers. Only 5/55 (9%) responded correctly that combined hormonal contraceptives were an "unacceptable health risk" in the immediate postpartum period. A minority of respondents correctly classified the progestin-only pill, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, the etonogestrel implant, the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and the copper intrauterine device as safe to use during lactation [14/56 (25%), 24/56 (43%), 27/56 (48%), 19/55 (35%) and 9/55 (16%), respectively]. Thirty-three of 51 nurses (65%) incorrectly responded that depot medroxyprogesterone acetate decreases milk supply if started immediately postpartum.

Conclusion: There are opportunities to improve knowledge regarding contraceptive safety and impact on lactation among postpartum nurses at our institution.

Keywords: Contraception; Education; LARC; Lactation; Nursing; Postpartum.