An Australian cohort study of postpartum women examining contraceptive use and breastfeeding 

There is growing recognition that women’s need for effective contraception in the period immediately after birth may be underestimated, and not well provided, if provided at all. In Australia, it is expected as usual practice that women will attend a routine 6-week postpartum visit with their general practitioner (GP) but there is little Australian data recording whether they received contraceptive advice and provision at this time.

To describe postpartum contraception use, rates of breastfeeding and receipt of postpartum care and counselling by General Practitioners at 12 weeks postpartum within metropolitan Sydney, NSW, Australia.  Primary outcomes were the uptake of an effective contraceptive method and breast-feeding continuation at 12 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes were the attendance and receipt of postpartum care with a General Practitioner (GP).