My last clinical posting was Maternal and Child Health posting.
And if I will be honest, I enjoyed it, but at the same time, I felt different types of emotions, ranging from sadness to anxiety, anger, and pity.
And oh, before I forget, I encountered different things there that I would love to share over a series of posts. They are for education and awareness.
So, the first place my group went to was the Family Planning Clinic.
Soft clinic 🤣
We had a more solid understanding of what we had been taught in the classroom because we were educated on the different types of family planning methods, and we also witnessed the insertion and removal of some of them.
But yeah… one sight I loved the most was when a man and his wife came together for a checkup. And if any question was directed to the wife, she would want her husband to have a say in it. 🤭
And this brings me to my first point of the day:
Family planning is not for the woman alone.
It is meant to be a decision made together by both the husband and wife. It is important that both partners are involved in discussions and decisions about the future of their family.
Before I continue, please understand that family planning is not just about the various contraceptive methods.
Family planning is also about planning the future of your family by making informed decisions based on your economic reality, financial capacity, and vision for your family.
My second point is this, and it is coming from a Registered Nurse POV: STOP DEMONIZING FAMILY PLANNING!!
Some people use a particular family planning method, and the next thing you will see is that when their body reacts to it, they come online to talk badly about it and discourage other people from using it.
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Now, don’t get me wrong. People should be able to share their experiences, including the adverse effects they experience. In fact, these conversations are important.
However, what works for one person may not work for another.
Different people respond differently to contraceptive methods, and experiencing an adverse effect does not automatically mean that the method is bad for everyone.
Before any family planning method is given to you, you should receive information about its benefits, possible side effects, and risks so that you can make an informed choice.
My third point is that healthcare providers cannot force any type of family planning method down your throat.
Their job is to guide you, educate you, and counsel you so you can make the best choice for yourself.
So, when you go to a healthcare facility, ensure you ask about the different types available. Ask them to explain what happens with each one, including the benefits and possible side effects, and then make your choice.
You have a say in what happens to your body.
My fourth point is this: GO FOR YOUR CHECKUPS AND FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS AS ADVISED.
During our posting, we learned about situations where contraceptive implants can become displaced or difficult to locate. Although this is uncommon, it is one of the reasons you should take any concerns about your implant seriously.
If you use an implant and notice that you can no longer feel it, or you suspect something is wrong, please visit a healthcare facility for assessment.
Also, when you notice anything unusual in your body after using any family planning method, don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment before seeking medical attention.
Before I forget, family planning is not just for women; it is for men too.
And when you go to some family planning clinics, you can get free male and female condoms. They were available free of charge at the hospital where I had my posting. Availability may vary across facilities, though, so you can always ask.
My head nurse also mentioned that the condoms provided at the facility were thicker than some of those sold outside. 🤭
And that brings me to the end of my first experience and lessons from the Family Planning Clinic.
More experiences and lessons from my Maternal and Child Health posting coming soon!
