Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether contraception advice is provided in postnatal care; and if so, what consideration they give as to when to provide such advice.

The National Health Service advises women of the importance of using some form of contraception during sex after giving birth, including the first time, if they do not wish to become pregnant. Women will usually have had a chance to discuss contraception before leaving hospital after birth, and again at their postnatal check at six-eight weeks. They can also talk about contraception with their general practitioner or health visitor, or go to a family planning or local contraception clinic, at any time, including whilst still pregnant.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance for postnatal care specifically recommends that methods and timing of resumption of contraception should be discussed within the first week of the birth. The coordinating healthcare professional should provide proactive assistance to women who may have difficulty accessing contraceptive care. This includes providing contact details for expert contraceptive advice.