Use of healthcare resources and family planning methods 12 months after birth in women of South Auckland: the Healthy Mums and Babies (HUMBA) randomised trial

Abstract

AIM: To report the utilisation of healthcare and family planning methods by participants in the Healthy Mums and Babies (HUMBA) trial at 12 months postpartum. METHODS: Surveys on access to 1) healthcare, and 2) family planning methods were completed 1 year following birth by a sample of multi-ethnic women with obesity in South Auckland, New Zealand. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven out of two hundred and thirty (55.2%) HUMBA participants completed the surveys. All babies and 99% of the mothers were enrolled with a general practitioner (GP) and over 60% also accessed community or hospital emergency departments. One hundred and twelve (88.2%) used Plunket as their Well Child provider. A discussion on family planning/contraception during or after pregnancy occurred for 123/127 (96.9%) but only 74/127 (58.3%) had family planning/contraception provided after birth. Of the 53 who did not have a family planning/contraception method arranged, 20 (37.7%) did not believe in them. Factors that participants felt would assist access to family planning/contraception services included home visits, weekend or after-hour clinics and a local or mobile clinic. CONCLUSIONS: In this South Auckland population, engagement with primary healthcare and Well Child health providers was almost universal. Family planning/contraception discussions during or after pregnancy were done well. However, provision of family planning/contraception services postpartum could be improved.