Blog #2: It's About Time: WHO and Partners Release Programming Strategies for Postpartum Family Planning

Since 2010, the World Health Organization has been trying to develop methods for family planning after the birth of a first child. These voluntary methods of family planning have been on the horizon for some time. This blog was written and centered around a few key factors: Mitigate missed PPFP (Postpartum Family Planning) opportunities across continuum of care, organize health services to allow time for family planning counseling, maximize availability of community based care, and expand range of family planning and exercises. Women need family planning too, even after they have their child. Twelve months after having a baby, mother and her child are especially at risk of falling ill. Postpartum women have a high unmet need of family planning. Tracking postpartum contraceptive use is essential, especially in rural areas. Making sure these women are able to reach information on contraception can help them make informed decisions. Global standards for care is directly correlated to worker's trainings on offering assistance to mothers.Government support is essential for proper funding programs. Without government aid, many women would not be ensured the right to their methods of family planning. The WHO's framework is revolved around strategies to ensure the health of others. Action is needed in order to implement these findings by the WHO and PPFP. Programs must be able to everyone. Helping countries to identify the right solutions for their problems and employ the best strategies in their unique situations will help make this a success.

Analysis:
After reading this article, it is clear women who are new mothers are more in need of family planning than many other demographics in society. All around the world, people are welcoming new lives and this is increasing our world population. Overpopulation is controlled by contraceptive use and with the increase in family planning programs, this is helping our growth substantially. Without contraception, I would not want to know how many births would have occurred. As a woman who relies on birth control, I am a firm believer in the use of these methods. They not only help society in the United States, but globally this is an increased issue for all women and all ages. It is difficult to imagine a world where the WHO is not constantly changing the way we view health and wellness, especially when it comes to birth rates. The availability of government funded programs is a huge issue for all women and families.

Sources: 
http://www.ghspjournal.org/content/early/2014/01/27/GHSP-D-13-00156.full.pdf (Published 2014)
http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/family_planning/articles/en/ (Published 2014)