High Impact Practice:Offer contraceptive counseling and services as part of facility-based childbirth care prior to discharge from the health facility.
Providing contraception during childbirth increases its use and reduces unintended or closely spaced births, which are harmful to mothers and babies. Despite this benefit, many women lack access, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted access to these critical services. The World Health Organization recommends offering family planning information and services throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care to improve women’s health and well-being.