Practice 2: Birth Spacing

Avoid unplanned pregnancy and ensure three years of interval/spacing between births of children by using appropriate contraceptive methods.

• Talk about spacing between children and its importance for a happy and healthy family.
• Ask the mother if she and her husband are using any methods for family planning?
• Listen attentively.

• Appreciate if the husband is supportive and if they are already using contraceptive methods.
• If not, discuss and try to understand the reason.
• For example ask if the husband does not want to use any method of family planning or if they are scared of its side-effects.

• Talk to the couple, if the husband is available and willing to talk.
• If not, then explain to the mother the importance of family planning.
• For example, talking to husband on how it will help them focus on their child and his/her needs.
• Guide the woman on the different methods of family planning.

• Couple should discuss freely about the use of contraceptives and plans for their family.
• They should be supportive of using contraception to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
• Contraceptives are safe to use. Side effects are minor and can be treated.
• Couple should see a health worker to seek advice on where contraceptive will be available and which method to use.
• A child’s optimum health, growth and development requires a 3-year gap between two children.
• Birth spacing also helps the mother recover from one birth and adequately prepare for the next.