Satisfied User:Busted Myths And Misconception
According to a qualitative study on key issues around contraceptive use in the post-pregnancy period in Lagos State, Nigeria conducted by the PPFP project in 2018, some key findings that emerged include: For many female non-users, the fear of adverse effects seems to be a major reason for not using FP. Just as observed among female users, these adverse effects have been linked to weight changes and abdominal swelling.
Interviewees noted that they were afraid that implants could affect their skin as it is being misconceived to rust after use. Other reasons for non-use of contraceptives include the fear of not being able to conceive again after discontinuing contraception, especially with long-acting methods (implants and IUDs).The lack of awareness and understanding of FP methods were recurring challenges that needed to be addressed. Many providers also reported that discontinuity of FP generally was a big issue, as many women revisit the health facility complaining of several side effects and requesting that the FP be discontinued. Some providers did report that they regularly had to contend with evasive female clients who would come for FP without the consent of their husbands, and specifically request for methods oblivious to their husbands.
My name is Mrs. Mobolaji Temitope, I am a married woman with 3 children.
How in-clinic social mobilization informed a post pregnancy client’s decision
I used to believe what people say, that every contraceptive has complications. I believed in the condom and withdrawal method my husband and I were using, which was used to space our first two children, however, it caused disagreement between us. He said he will no longer use condom, and this led to the pregnancy of my third child without planning for it.
I encountered the PPFP people during my second trimester. They came to my health facility, provided us with detailed information about FP, and answered all our questions. I collected a go-referral card. Right there, I made up my mind, and was determined to take up a PPFP method once I put to bed even without first consulting my husband. Although I spoke to him eventually about it, and he agreed.
Immediately I gave birth in the same hospital. I took up an IUCD method within 48 hours of my delivery. This change is very important to me, because it gives me peace of mind, it eradicates the issue of getting pregnant again and I can plan well for my life. I am a proud user of a post pregnancy family planning method. I will recommend PPFP to as many people as possible.
“I am determined to spread the good news of FP to every woman that cares to listen.There is no big deal in it. Getting to know about FP early enough and going for it at the right time, gives peace of mind.”
My name is Ramota Balogun, trader at Wazobia Bus-stop, Abaranje Alimosho LGA.
Information is power: I will not keep it to myself
We used to believe in the community that anyone on a FP method will end up becoming barren or with big belly, now I know better.
I visited my friend that just delivered at Livingstone hospital, which is also located in Alimosho LGA. At the waiting area, a displayed flier on a magazine rack caught my attention, “stay beautiful” flier. I enquired to know more from a SMC in the facility, when she finished, she referred me for counselling with the FP provider. I took up a method same day before leaving the facility.
Now I am free to do anything, my mind is at rest knowing that I can’t be pregnant and will be able to cater for my children. I have even referred my friend to Livingstone to pick a method as well
Front page of “Stay Beautiful” flier
Front page of “Stay Beautiful” flier
My name is Jaiyeoba Kehinde, I am married with two children.
Now I know better
I have been so scared about FP as a result of the myths going around. I was told that it kills, especially IUCD that it causes infertility and miscarriage. I was told by neighbours about a woman who inserted IUCD and died of stomachache.
However, I don’t want to fall victim of unplanned pregnancy again, by getting pregnant when my baby was barely 9 months. I was given CBS method fliers and counseled by a Social Mobilizer during FP talk when I came for Immunization. I took the flier home and showed my husband and he agreed that I should pick up a method. I came to the clinic and the MD counseled me very well and encouraged me that there is no cause for alarm. I then opted for Implant as a family planning method.
I am now very happy and no fear that I will have an unplanned pregnancy. I can now enjoy sex with my husband without fear. I have confidence in myself and am bold to tell other women my FP story, discuss that it is safe and encourage that FP is a wise choice to prevent unplanned pregnancy.I can now plan my life and home as I want it. I am very happy and so sure that I will not fall victim of unplanned pregnancy until I am ready.
PPFP SMC with Jaiyeoba Kehinde at Omolewa Medical Center Kosofe LGA
The inscription on the T-shirt “Do you know” triggered Mrs Adewole’s curiosity to know what message was being disseminated.
PPFP Tee-shirts sparking conversations
I have always had concerns about undesired effects and the cost of service charge in private facilities. I and my friends were enlightened by the mobilizers who came to our community to talk to people about FP.
We were enlightened about the various FP methods and my concerns were addressed by informing us about the reduced cost of FP services at Broad Hospital during the week.
They said it was their outreach week. They also informed us about the good follow-up and management of undesired effects after picking up suitable method choice.I was issued a referral card to the hospital for a desired method and I picked up a method same day with the referral card to pick my preferred FP method choice.
I was pleased with the service at the hospital, and since then, I have been telling my friends and family about FP “My friend even picked up a family planning method yesterday” Now I have time for my business and children and also satisfy my husband’s sexual needs since I am rest assured that I can’t be pregnant..
PPFP SMC with Mrs Adewole at her sawmill business in Alimosho LGA
PPFP SMC with Mrs Adewole at her sawmill business in Alimosho LGA
The project now records a steady increase in the uptake of Family planning methods as evidenced by the routine data statistics