Postpartum contraception: An exploratory study of lactation consultants' knowledge and practices

Objective: Lactation consultants interact with women during the postpartum period; however, they may not have comprehensive education on postpartum contraception and the impact on breastfeeding. The aims of this study were to assess lactation consultants' knowledge and practices about postpartum contraception and assess whether lactation consultants are interested in more education on postpartum contraception.

Study design: We distributed a 30-question survey to self-identified lactation consultants and recruited participants via email, social media and at the 2015 California Breastfeeding Summit.

Results: We surveyed a total of 194 lactation consultants. Seventy-seven percent (137/177) stated they offer advice about postpartum contraception and its impact on breastfeeding. The majority of lactation consultants felt the theoretical or proven risks outweighed the benefits or there was an unacceptable health risk for the progestin-only pill 76.3% (100/131), progestin injection 90.1% (118/131) and progestin implant 93.1% (122/131) if used within 21days of delivery. Although 68.7% (92/134) reported prior education on postpartum contraception, 82.1% (110/134) reported wanting more education on this topic, specifically in the form of a webinar 61.9% (83/134). Only 29.9% (40/134) reported knowledge of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2011 Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (USMEC) guidance for postpartum contraception.

Conclusion: There is a disconnect between the USMEC guidance and lactation consultants' knowledge regarding the safety of immediate postpartum contraception.

Implications: This study explores lactation consultants' knowledge and practices about postpartum contraception, demonstrating that more evidence-based education is needed on this topic.