Pam, when the clinicians order the Depo for these mothers, do they inform  
them of the risks, tell them why they want to give it so early and get an  
informed consent from the mothers?
I found it interesting in your post that this mothers seem to be very good  
at keeping their follow-up visits.  Why do the clinicians assume that these  
girls would not understand the instructions of not having unprotected sex before 
 6 weeks?  Do these clinicians explain the birth control of breastfeeding,  
how it is effective if a mother is exclusively nursing at least 8 or more times 
 a day including night feeds?
We as health care providers do not have the right to just give Depo shots  to 
teen mothers and we also don't have the right to assume that if information  
were explained to them that they would not understand it.
I have observed the same comments around here and I challenge them.   When I 
explain the birth control of exclusive breastfeeding they roll their  eyes.
Here is my question, what is the percentage of birth control offered by the  
Depo?
Patients should only be taking medicines because they understand their use,  
side effects, and consent to take the responsibility.
Ann Perry, RN IBCLC
Boston, MA

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