Natural Birth Control

cottonlily84

I know this isn't about birth but avoiding it but I don't know where else to put it.  So if it should be moved somewhere no prob.

It took us 8 years to conceive with IF treatments so while past experience says we don't really need BC I'm worried already that we'll have an oopsies soon after this one's born.  IDK why I think this, I guess since I know now I can really get pregnant I want to avoid an accident.  I really can't deal with an oops; I know my hands will be more than full working FT with an infant. 

But I really hate the idea of BCPs.  My mom has a history of blood clots and I don't like the artificiality of them.  Plus I HATE going to the dr and I don't do those yearly exams they require of pills.  What should I try after this baby is born?  Just not having sex around ovulation?  Do spermicides work without condoms?  DH hates condoms...

sschwege

You should check out the book, "Taking Charge of Your Fertility."  It gives you a lot of information on TTC as well as trying to avoid.  I did NFP while TTC and I could definitely see how it would be effective in reverse.  Also you should check out this site https://www.fertilityfriend.com/ they have tutorials on NFP and you can also chart using their program.  

Also have you considered another barrier method such as a diaphragm?   

sschwege

One more thing to consider BF is considered an effective form of birth control provided certain criteria are met, you can read more about it here: https://www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-breastfeeding-as-birth-control

nsuhomer

Everything PP said! We've used natural family planning (NFP) for several years and effectively avoided when we weren't ready, and conceived when we wanted to.  It is just as easy as remembering to take a pill or buy condoms or whatever, and we've found it very effective. 

pepomntpat

I used FAM (TCOYF) successfully for two years before we decided to TTC. I am trying it again after this one, but I will say it has been harder with a baby since getting up at night makes consistent temperature taking a challenge. We always use condoms right now until I get things better under control, but I am trying!

AutumnBride929

We abstain during my fertile period.  I chart my temps and CM - well, I need to get back into the habit of doing so but I'm sure it won't tell me too much until I get my first PP AF anyway.  I could probably tell when I O based on a temp shift but regardless, DH is pulling out until I get back on track.

CTri17

sschwege:

You should check out the book, "Taking Charge of Your Fertility."  It gives you a lot of information on TTC as well as trying to avoid.  I did NFP while TTC and I could definitely see how it would be effective in reverse.  Also you should check out this site https://www.fertilityfriend.com/ they have tutorials on NFP and you can also chart using their program.  

Also have you considered another barrier method such as a diaphragm?   

FTW! All of this, chart and use a diaphragm w/ spermicide

Texas77again

i agree with the others about TCOYF and NFP.  it can work wonderfully, if you educate yourself on your body and your fertility signs. 

there are also other options:

IUD, they have ones without meds

diaphragm

depo provera shot

i would not use a spermicide alone, i just don't think they are effective enough. 

you could just use condoms when you are near ovulation

i would not use BFing as a source of bc for you because you stated that "you can't deal with an oops."  i would recommend a method with a higher success rate.  think about using a medical method. 

one statement that you made worried me.  it was, " I don't do those yearly exams they require of pills."  depending on your age and past medical history it is very important for you to be checked on a regular basis for potential health problems.  in this day and age with all of the screening tools that we have,  it is horrible for women to get sick with preventable conditions.  i'm specifically referring to cancers of the female reproductive system.  not to mention undiagnosed infections, cysts, fibroids...etc.  please reconsider these yearly exams. 

if you have had difficult exams in the past keep in mind that some mw's will see women for just GYN exams.  i find mw's to be more gentle and more caring in general. 

GL! 

FyshWyfe

Ditto to the IUD or diaphram with spermicide (which you could use just around ovulation if you're charting, right?).  I was on depo for three years in college and it made me gain weight and I was an emotional wreck for a long time (I never made the connection to the depo until I got off of it and started feeling more stable).  The problem with depo is that if you have a negative reaction to it it's in your system for at least three months.  You can't just stop taking it. 

 

angels among us

FYI i got pregnant with this one using the diaphragm religiously!

LindseyJW

i also wanted no part of hormonal birth control. i hate condoms, even though DH is fine with using them. and i wanted to to retain the spontanaity that charting takes away. so we decided that the paragard IUD would be our best option. i had one after our first was born. the insertion process was uncomfortable, but short. the first few periods were very heavy (much heavier than my previous pp periods) and longer, but after 4 or 5 cycles, they evened out. the removal process was quick and painless. we conceived 3 cycles after having it removed. i got another after baby #2.

i like that i don't have to ever worry about my birth control. once a month, i check the strings, but that's it. unlike with mirena (hormonal IUD), which sometimes makes flow stop, i continue to have a normal and regular period, so i'm not constantly worrying about being pg. we can be intimate whenever the moment is right, which is important when you have children, especially b/c biologically, our libidos kick in around the time of ovulation, which is when you'd have to avoid if you were doing a natural method. what a cruel, evil trick!

cottonlily84

Oh man the thought of an IUD really freaks me out.  I'm not sure I could deal with that.  Maybe with the IF problems we have and using the natural measures in TCOYF we could manage.  I mean I wouldn't be devastated if we got pregnant again but it would seriously change things 180 degrees for us.  There's so much to think about when you're pregnant.  I don't know why I'm worrying about baby #2 already!

And I know yearly exams are important for disease detection but I don't agree with holding birth control pills hostage in exchange for a cervical cancer screening.  That's totally apples and oranges imo.  All the ACOG recommends for BCP is blood work and vitals but doctors will never tell you that...

FrauElyse

We're an NFP (natural family planning) household and we love it.  It makes us communicate more about our sexuality and makes us both responsible...plus, as pp's have said, it can definitely help later if you do want to have another since you'll be in tune with your body.

CTri17

angels among us:

FYI i got pregnant with this one using the diaphragm religiously!

with or without spermicide? just curious since this is our method