Identifying barriers to post-placental intrauterine device placement: male partners’ views

Objective: The use of post-placental intrauterine devices (IUDs) has potential to address the health issues of suboptimal breastfeeding rates and short inter-pregnancy intervals. An understudied factor that may influence choice of breastfeeding-compatible contraception among postpartum women is their romantic partner. We aimed to identify male partner influences on women’s postpartum breastfeeding-compatible contraception choices.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 75 men in Cleveland, OH, USA. Data on partner priorities, opinions and knowledge about breastfeeding and contraception, and barriers to partner IUD receipt were collected. Survey data were summarised using frequencies and percentages, and univariate logistic regression models were used to explore associations between responses.

Results: Participants were predominantly African American, unmarried and had at least one child. Twenty-six participants (36%) reported using contraception with their current partner; men who had discussions and agreed about contraception with their partner were more likely to use it. Thirty-nine men (54%) intended for a future child to breastfeed; this intention was more likely for men who had a child that was breastfed previously and for those with knowledge of breastfeeding benefits. Only 25 (35%) thought a post-placental IUD was safe for breastfeeding mothers; correct IUD knowledge and a partner’s positive IUD experience were significantly associated with this response.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that knowledge about breastfeeding and contraception as well as experiential learning regarding breastfeeding and contraception within a partnered relationship are important and that minimal prior experience and low knowledge in these areas may be a male partner barrier to post-placental IUD placement for breastfeeding mothers.