Contraception Counseling to Reduce Postpartum Unmet Needs: A Qualitative Study at Samarinda, Indonesia

Introduction: Family planning (FP) counseling has a large potential as a strategy for reducing postpartum unmet needs. This study aimed to explore the present-day implementation of FP counseling, and the expectations of providers and recipients of FP counseling. Method: The research design was a qualitative phenomenological study conducted at Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The research participants were selected with a maximum variation of purposive sampling. The data analysis used thematic analysis. Results: This study found that FP counseling is currently integrated with ANC. All available method are explained so that clients are confused and forgetful. The choice of method is based on medical questions only. FP counseling is expected to adjust to reproductive needs by cooperation a partner. The clients need more information about the method chosen using practical media counseling. Necessary additional health information and counseling media that can be taken home. Conclusion: At present there are still weaknesses in FP counselling. It is expected that counseling sessions are more practical, integrated with ANC, concise, easy to remember, meet reproductive needs, cooperation partners and be accompanied by other additional information. The use of a modified Balanced Counseling Strategy (BCS) for pregnant women is a wise and strategic choice.