Birth Control part of discharge teaching?

kcrnsue · Dec 30, 2003

Where I used to work, we told them nothing lady partslly until their pp check-up! (Most don't even want to think about sex at that point)

Boe · Dec 31, 2003

I have mixed feelings about this. In my area there is a high rate of young mothers (teen pg.'s), and I am sure they would benefit from BC "teaching", But I also think that it is the patients decision on when/if to have another baby, and let's face it these people know where babies come from. I think maybe a nice pamplet listing all BC options could be made available because there might be an option they didn't know about.

I really don't think I was asked about BC with my children until pp check up. (and then the nurse totally ticked me off the way she went about it)

BRANDY LPN · Dec 31, 2003

At my facility we dont do BC teaching nor do the MDs mention it. But I have seen my share of girls returning with oops pregnancies 9.5 months later and I think that this would be a great idea.

CTRN1 · Dec 31, 2003

Unfortunately I work in a Catholic hospital which "strongly discourages" (aka-don't) discussing birth control, so mostly its nothing lady partslly for 6 weeks and be sure to discuss with your care provider you options at that point. However, we have a large clinic population with many young girls who would really benefit from teaching before discharge.

fergus51 · Dec 31, 2003

I can;t believe that any hospital doesn't include this on pp!!!! YES I taught about birth control. Nothing huge, just a list of options for women who wanted to breastfeed, and a warning that breastfeeding is not all that effective at preventing pregnancy.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 31, 2003

Originally posted by fergus51
I can;t believe that any hospital doesn't include this on pp!!!! YES I taught about birth control. Nothing huge, just a list of options for women who wanted to breastfeed, and a warning that breastfeeding is not all that effective at preventing pregnancy.

ditto.:)

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 31, 2003

Our school is teaching the students that BC teaching is a REQUIRED part of PP.

Jolie, BSN · Dec 31, 2003

I can't imagine NOT including contraception in discharge teaching. Even in the Catholic hospital where I worked, it was included on the checklist. We were not allowed to distribute any contraceptive meds or devices, but that was our only restriction where contraception was concerned.

Typically, I would ask the patient if she had plans to use contraception after DC. If she said "yes", I then asked if she had decided on a method, or was in need of more info. We would then discuss the methods she asked about, I would provide written material, if available, and remind her to discuss her choice with her doc or midwife prior to DC. I would conclude by reminding EVERY patient that it is possible to become pregnant from the first "encounter", even if her periods had not yet resumed.

It was not unusual for patients to receive Depo prior to DC, or go home with a script for birth control pills.

SteelTownRN · Dec 31, 2003

I teach OB clinicals, and strongly believe that birth control teaching should be part of discharge teaching. At the very least, ask if they have any questions about new methods or would like to change methods. Postpartum is the best time to have your tubes tied, as they are easier to find and the surgery can be done on the 1st postpartum morning, and you can keep the epidural catheter in until then (most of the time). Also, some birth control must be initiated early, and we can give the first depo-provera injection before they leave the hospital. Some hormonal birth control optionsshouldn't be used while breastfeeding, and the only way to know what your client is planning is to ask them early enough, while still hospitalized. Planning is the key here.

STG

Moho · Dec 31, 2003

On discharge at our facility, the patient's physician will discuss this measure on the day of discharge. The nurses provide information on the method choice. Most of the time we will provide the Depo shot. With many options discussed, the patient already has in their mind what method they will be using.

I visited my GYN's office and discovered a lot of BC methods that I had not even heard of. :eek: SO MANY? When your 40 and everything's been removed, it's hard to keep up with all the different methods now-a-days.

Moho

fourbirds4me · Jan 1, 2004

We have many patients that are pregnant at their six week check-up despite teaching at discharge. Depo is usually offered to those interested. lady partsl rest is stressed. Everything else waits till appt. We have one pp nurse who swears she continually catches patients having intercourse hours to days after delivery:eek: . I can't imagine it myself..... but I never say never :imbar