Guideline 8: Reproductive Life Planning
Purpose
Reproductive life plans are intended to promote planned, healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes, and overall health and well-being for women, men, and infants.
Process
Reproductive life planning can be initiated at any time (e.g., prenatal, postpartum or interconception) and should be offered to everyone, irrespective of assumptions or biases about individual circumstances. Furthermore, reproductive life plans should be considered fluid, and updated regularly per changing goals, needs, and life circumstances (updated at least annually). Addressing reproductive life planning during the perinatal periods offers an opportunity to provide education, support, and resources to help.
Discuss client's reproductive life plan by asking questions like:
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Do you want to have (more) children?
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How many (more) children would you like to have and when?
Approach this conversation respectfully and with the intention to support the person in achieving their goals and with patience, as many people may find it difficult to answer these questions.
If pregnancy is planned in the near future, offer preconception health information. See
CDC for suggested education. If the client desires pregnancy testing, then provide or refer for pregnancy testing and preconception counseling. Information and counseling regarding parenting, abortion, and adoption provided in a neutral, factual, and non-directive manner should be made available to all pregnant clients.
If client is not planning pregnancy at the time, offer evidence informed counseling about the full range of contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception.
The OHA Reproductive Health Program webpage has information on specific birth-control methods, as well as a YouTube video
here. Offer information about how to access reproductive health services and refer as needed. The OHA Reproductive Health Program also has a list of clinics.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has guidelines for contraceptive use during lactation in
Protocol #13
If client is unsure of their goals around pregnancy, continue to explore clients' readiness for pregnancy, goals, needs and life circumstances using a client-centered approach.
References
- Before, Between and Beyond Pregnancy, Resource Guide for Clinicians https://beforeandbeyond.org/toolkit/reproductive-life-plan-assessment/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Contraceptive Guidance for Health Care Providers https://www.cdc.gov/contraception/hcp/contraceptive-guidance/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/contraception_guidance.htm
- Show Your Love Wellness Campaign
https://showyourlovetoday.com/
- Power to Decide
https://powertodecide.org/one-key-question
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