CONTENTS
HIGHLIGHTS
December 1995 |
Counseling is an essential part of every family planning provider's role. Informative and empathetic counseling helps clients make the best choice of a contraceptive method and helps them use the method safely, effectively, and with satisfaction (see Population Reports, Counseling Makes a Difference, Series J, Number 35, November 1987). For IUD users, good counseling is as important as careful screening. As with every other family planning method, new users need to know what problems they might encounter. In particular, women using IUDs should understand that menstrual bleeding is likely to increase but this is seldom dangerous. Good counseling is the key to satisfied use. Where postpartum insertion of IUDs is available, it should ideally be discussed, along with other family planning options, during the woman's prenatal care. Then, if she chooses an IUD, an experienced provider can place the IUD in the uterus immediately after delivery of the placenta. Some programs counsel women about postpartum IUD insertion and perform the insertion during the first 48 hours after delivery (535). Providers should not try to counsel women or expect them to decide on a contraceptive method during labor. |