An exploration of the intersection between infant feeding and postpartum contraception in Western North Carolina: Perspectives of postpartum individuals and providers
Location
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Start Date
4-5-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
4-5-2024 11:30 AM
Poster Number
127
Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor
Liane Ventura
Faculty Sponsor's Department
Women’s health studies
Competition Type
Competitive
Type
Poster Presentation
Presentation Category
Health
Abstract or Artist's Statement
Introduction: Reproductive autonomy is a crucial aspect of sexual and reproductive health and encompasses the ability to make informed decisions about one's body and access healthcare services without coercion or discrimination. Increasing access to postpartum contraception is a public health intervention which can help lengthen the interval between pregnancies and reduce the risk of preterm birth rates. Furthermore, breastfeeding for at least six months provides short- and long-term benefits for both mothers and infants. North Carolina’s breastfeeding rates are lower than the National average, and rates vary by county, but efforts are being made to support and encourage breastfeeding for longer durations. The aim of this study is to examine perceptions of the intersection of infant feeding and postpartum contraception among postpartum individuals and perinatal care providers in Western North Carolina. Methods: Postpartum individuals and perinatal care providers based in Western North Carolina were recruited to participate in semi structured key informant interviews via phone. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by a third party. The interviews were summarized via a rapid analytic approach. Memos and quotation diagrams were then used to determine emergent themes. Results: A common theme that emerged is to center individual decision-making autonomy about infant feeding methods and postpartum contraception. For example, one provider said, “Of course, number one, find out what their goals are. See where they want to be. Of course, that is going to vary depending on their situation.” Postpartum participants highlighted the importance of choice, particularly regarding postpartum contraception. Notably, postpartum individuals emphasized making decisions about postpartum contraception based on their breastfeeding goals. For example, one postpartum individual said, "Yes, I did not want to go on any oral contraceptives while breastfeeding. I know there are some that are safe for breastfeeding, but I just personally didn’t want to." Participants also stressed the importance of diverse types of social support for successful breastfeeding. Providers emphasized the role of healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants, in providing immediate assistance and guidance. Both postpartum individuals and providers discussed a lack of social support as a challenge to breastfeeding, making it less sustainable for some individuals. The interviews also illuminated themes of impacted mental health that stem from societal expectations, lack of support, and from failing to successfully breastfeed. One mother said, "[It] definitely [was] the support of the lactation consultant because I think I would have gotten frustrated and given up since my supply was low, if she had not been there to keep helping me and encouraging me and reminding me that any amount of breastmilk is better than none." Discussion: Findings regarding the need for decision-making autonomy and choice are consistent with a need for greater patient education, particularly during the prenatal period, and shared decision-making with providers whereby individual’s goals and preferences about infant feeding and contraception use are supported. Efforts to strengthen social systems of support, including breastfeeding support groups and access to lactation consultants, may help to mitigate the effects of breastfeeding on maternal mental health.
An exploration of the intersection between infant feeding and postpartum contraception in Western North Carolina: Perspectives of postpartum individuals and providers
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Introduction: Reproductive autonomy is a crucial aspect of sexual and reproductive health and encompasses the ability to make informed decisions about one's body and access healthcare services without coercion or discrimination. Increasing access to postpartum contraception is a public health intervention which can help lengthen the interval between pregnancies and reduce the risk of preterm birth rates. Furthermore, breastfeeding for at least six months provides short- and long-term benefits for both mothers and infants. North Carolina’s breastfeeding rates are lower than the National average, and rates vary by county, but efforts are being made to support and encourage breastfeeding for longer durations. The aim of this study is to examine perceptions of the intersection of infant feeding and postpartum contraception among postpartum individuals and perinatal care providers in Western North Carolina. Methods: Postpartum individuals and perinatal care providers based in Western North Carolina were recruited to participate in semi structured key informant interviews via phone. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by a third party. The interviews were summarized via a rapid analytic approach. Memos and quotation diagrams were then used to determine emergent themes. Results: A common theme that emerged is to center individual decision-making autonomy about infant feeding methods and postpartum contraception. For example, one provider said, “Of course, number one, find out what their goals are. See where they want to be. Of course, that is going to vary depending on their situation.” Postpartum participants highlighted the importance of choice, particularly regarding postpartum contraception. Notably, postpartum individuals emphasized making decisions about postpartum contraception based on their breastfeeding goals. For example, one postpartum individual said, "Yes, I did not want to go on any oral contraceptives while breastfeeding. I know there are some that are safe for breastfeeding, but I just personally didn’t want to." Participants also stressed the importance of diverse types of social support for successful breastfeeding. Providers emphasized the role of healthcare professionals, including lactation consultants, in providing immediate assistance and guidance. Both postpartum individuals and providers discussed a lack of social support as a challenge to breastfeeding, making it less sustainable for some individuals. The interviews also illuminated themes of impacted mental health that stem from societal expectations, lack of support, and from failing to successfully breastfeed. One mother said, "[It] definitely [was] the support of the lactation consultant because I think I would have gotten frustrated and given up since my supply was low, if she had not been there to keep helping me and encouraging me and reminding me that any amount of breastmilk is better than none." Discussion: Findings regarding the need for decision-making autonomy and choice are consistent with a need for greater patient education, particularly during the prenatal period, and shared decision-making with providers whereby individual’s goals and preferences about infant feeding and contraception use are supported. Efforts to strengthen social systems of support, including breastfeeding support groups and access to lactation consultants, may help to mitigate the effects of breastfeeding on maternal mental health.