Contraception: a guide for midwives.

Women will generally spend more of their reproductive lifetime preventing pregnancy than experiencing it. The choice of contraceptive methods can be confusing for women, each one having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For new mothers, a method of contraception is important if a reasonable gap between pregnancies is the desired outcome. Given that ovulation can resume four weeks following childbirth, midwives have a clear role in the provision of up to date contraceptive health advice to women, including the availability of emergency contraception. Midwives, especially those working in the community, also need to be familiar with the range of contraceptive health clinics in their locality, together with a working knowledge of the various services offered by them.