Tema-Ghana, Aug. 08, – Ms. Millicent Asante, a Senior Midwife at the International Maritime Hospital in Tema, has admonished that family planning helps to space the number of child birth even though it depends on the couple’s agreement.
She added that when one visits the health care providers with their partners, the midwife in charge engages them in a discussion by knowing the spacing intervals of their choices.
She reiterated that at the health care facility, the couples will be asked how long they want to space their childbirth; hence, they will guide the couples on the method of family planning to use, such that if one wants to give birth every two years, they will be advised to use short-term contraceptives.
Ms. Asante, who was supported by Ms. Rosemary Fosuaa, also an IMaH Senior Midwife, emphasized that if one wants to conceive and deliver at least a year after any of the implants, they have to come to the health facility for them to be removed for preparations for their childbirth.
Consequently, based on their preferences, the couples are guided on what to do in terms of family planning”, she said.
Ms. Asante added that all the hormonal methods affect the menstrual cycle of the woman because they mix up with the blood and therefore form the thickness of the cervical mucus, and sometimes one may or may not ovulate for three months, leading to no menstruation for three months due to the suppression of the drugs.
She added that aside from the artificial methods of family planning, which included injectables, implants, and pills, among others, there are also natural ways involved, such as the use of the calendar, beading, and withdrawal methods.
She mentioned some advantages of family planning, such as how it helps plan a good life, empowers women, and reduces teenage pregnancy, among others.
Ms. Asante encouraged teenagers to walk into any health care provider for assistance on family planning and to avoid the regular intake of emergency contraceptives, which may lead to fertility complications.
They both highlighted that abstinence is the best family planning method, regardless of the methods provided.
