A new public health campaign from Sexual Health Wirral is encouraging parents to think about contraception early after having a baby, highlighting that fertility can return in some cases as soon as 21 days after birth.
The campaign funded by Magenta Living, supports efforts to improve awareness of contraception and ensure families across Wirral have access to the information and support they need to make informed choices.
Think…Contraception…before 21 days! aims to raise awareness of the importance of planning ahead and having conversations about contraception before fertility returns.
Support and advice are available from a range of healthcare professionals across Wirral, including Sexual Health Wirral clinicians, midwives, health visitors, GPs, and community pharmacists.
Millie Williams, Service Development Coordinator at Sexual Health Wirral, said:
After having a baby, contraception is not always the first thing on your mind, but many women are surprised to hear they can become pregnant again from as early as 21 days after giving birth, even if they are breastfeeding or their periods haven’t returned. Through our campaign, we want to make sure women across Wirral have clear, simple information and know where to get support. By working with maternity services, health visitors, family hubs and local partners, we hope to start these conversations earlier.”
Dr Jane Wilkinson, GP Champion for Sexual Health Wirral, added:
“There are many safe and effective contraception options available, and we want people to feel informed and supported in choosing the method that works best for them.
“Conversations about contraception can take place before leaving hospital, during health visitor appointments, or at a time that suits them at Sexual Health Wirral clinics, their GP or local pharmacy. Thinking ahead can help people make the choices that are right for them and their family.”
Jamie Martin, Social Impact Lead at Magenta Living said:
“Magenta Living was proud to support this project through our Magenta 20 Community Fund, with funding decisions guided by our Magenta Customers and Communities Committee (MCCC) – a group of our customers who help ensure we invest in what matters most to our communities.
“The Committee recognised the real difference this project could make in supporting the health and wellbeing of local people, including many of our customers and their families – a key priority in our social impact work. We’re really pleased to have worked in partnership to bring this project to life, and it’s fantastic to see such positive impact and meaningful difference the project is already making.”
Residents will see the Think…Contraception…before 21 days! message displayed across the borough, helping to encourage conversations about contraception and raise awareness of the support available. The campaign uses a range of channels, including social media, radio advertising and videos via In Demand Radio, bus stop advertisements and external advertising on buses.
Sexual Health Wirral offers free contraception services and information, including contraceptive pills, implants, injections, coils, patches, emergency contraception and condoms.
People can access support by:
• Booking an appointment with Sexual Health Wirral or visiting www.sexualhealthwirral.nhs.uk
• Speaking to their midwife, health visitor, GP or pharmacist
For more information about the campaign and contraception options available, visit Sexual Health Wirral and search “Think Contraception”.
