This study examined factors that determine utilization of postpartum family planning services at
Ntchisi District Hospital in Malawi. The study design was descriptive and utilized quantitative
methods of data collection and analysis. A random sample of 383 postpartum women was interviewed
using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 16.0. Chi-square
tests were used to establish relationships between utilization of Post Partum Family Planning services
and demographic variables. Knowledge about family planning services was almost universal
at 94.3% among the women. About 75% of the women were using the contraceptives within the
first year after delivery however they started taking the contraceptives after they had already resumed
sex. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between utilization of post partum family
planning services and the following: clarity of family planning information given, level of education,
period for resuming sex, husband’s approval of family planning method, counselling on fertility
intention, duration of lactation amenorrhoea, maternal age and parity. There is therefore a
need to promote these factors to increase uptake of postpartum services.