WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Dr. Raghad A. Ibrahim, Dr. Amina Mohammed Hazim, Dr. Marwa M. Al-Hamdani

ABSTRACT

Unrestrained population growth remains a large problem in developing countries, including Iraq, that burden social and health networks. In Mosul, recent population changes resulting from decades of war have highlighted the importance of family planning as a means of improving maternal and child health. Family planning allows couples to control the number of their children and also their timing, and during lactation it plays a significant role due to the natural postpartum amenorrhea associated with breast feeding. However, still common among Iraqi women are misconceptions about the reliability of the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) and inadequate knowledge of modern contraceptives. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2024 to May 2025 in six family medicine model centers in Mosul (three on both sides of the city). 400 married lactating women were directly interviewed using a structured Google Form questionnaire. The study assessed socio-demographic variables, breastfeeding status, contraceptive use, and reasons for not using or stoppage. Data analysis was performed using a one-sample proportion Z-test with a p < 0.05 significance level. Results revealed that most of the participants were in the age group 20–29 years and had a bachelor's degree or diploma. About 52.5% of the women were currently using contraceptive methods, which were dominated by intrauterine device (IUD), oral pills, and injections. Among the non-users (47.5%), husband's disapproval or preference (52.6%) and fear of adverse effects on breast milk or lactation (26.3%) were key obstacles. Fear of side effects, expense, or cultural beliefs played lesser roles. The study attributes family planning behavior to social and cultural determinants, particularly male decision-making, rather than medical or economic factors. Improving community awareness, involving men in reproductive health education, and dissolving myths regarding the safety of contraceptives during breastfeeding are essential steps required to promote the use of contraceptives and prevent unwanted pregnancies among Mosul mothers.