What Nurses Need to Know About Immediate Postpartum Initiation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

Initiation of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) in the immediate postpartum period is becoming more common, resulting in increased requests for early removal, primarily because of unpredictable bleeding patterns. Competing interests of healthful spacing of pregnancies, impact on breastfeeding, risks associated with pregnancy versus contraceptive method, potential adverse effects of LARC, and timing of informed consent make immediate postpartum initiation of LARC an important issue. Nearly 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit at all, resulting in decreased initiation of contraception and increased risk of unplanned pregnancy. Nurses caring for women during the peripartum period can help women make informed decisions and can provide anticipatory guidance regarding this method of contraception. Evidence-based postpartum education and support can result in women's increased continuation of and satisfaction with LARC.