Contraception often missed, new mums claim

Contraception often missed, new mums claim A recent study claims that one can fall pregnant while breast feeding, as the need for contraception was often left out soon after the months after a birth. A survey conducted by a sexual and reproductive health service has stated that 35 per cent of Australian women did not use contraception until three months after the birth of a child.

This figure is despite a major population resuming intercourse before this time. Jill Michelson, Australian clinical adviser to Marie Stopes International said, "We often see women in our centres who have accidentally fallen pregnant soon after giving birth. Sometimes they think they can't get pregnant if they are breastfeeding or their current contraception may not fit in with their new routine.

" Ms Michelson adds that women should consult with their doctors about their contraceptive options before they opt for sexual intercourse. She adds, "Many women, especially time-poor mothers, need convenient ways to manage family spacing. It is important for women to discuss contraceptive options with their doctor or sexual health professional, especially after the birth of a child."

The survey further hints that the primary concern soon after the childbirth is weight, with almost 40 per cent of women worry about losing weight after childbirth. When questioned about concerns linked with sex, women termed physical recovery, lack of sex drive and confidence with body image as the topmost three concerns.

The poll considered opinions of more than 900 women across the country, all aged 19 to 44 years and who had children under the age of five. The results were almost the same when compared to those produced by a University of WA study, released in September.

Of the 150 first-time teen mums who were involved in the study majorly all resumed intercourse within three months of giving birth and nearly 30 per cent did so without the usage of contraception. One third (47 women) of the young mums were pregnant again in the two years - two falling pregnant just six weeks after giving birth.