Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question)

Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (Full Version)

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[Poll]

Yes I did and currently use NFP

26% (33)

No I did not and currently use NFP

3% (5)

I do currently and am considering NFP

10% (13)

I do not currently and am considering NFP

31% (40)

I do currently and am NOT considering NFP

3% (4)

I do not currently and am NOT considering NFP

24% (31)

Total Votes : 126

(last vote on : 5/21/2008 11:24:48 PM)
(Poll will run till: -- )

Message

christsstar -> Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/11/2005 1:16:22 PM)
What is it you say? Natural Family Planning (NFP) (also known as Fertility Awareness Method - FAM) is a birth (or conception) control method acheived by charting your daily fertility signs (temperature, cervix position, mucus, etc) and knowing when you are or are not fertile. It's great for wanting to not get pregnant or for wanting TO get pregnant. And if you're breastfeeding, this is the place to ask questions about breastfeeding as a natural birth control. This is the thread to discuss NFP. Have a question? Ask it here. Have a suggestion? Put it here. Have a story? Tell it here. Just want to lurk because you're embarrassed? That's OK too. Let's try not to be too TMI (especially since there's no "women only" folder yet), but share what you need to share. (The first few posts will be a summary of the thread from 'Old CW') POLL QUESTION: DID YOU USE HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL (THE PILL, PATCH, ETC) PRIOR TO TRYING NFP?

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 1:25:15 PM)
Question 1. Do you do the cervical check? If you do, was it hard for you to actually go in and check? (I have major issues with touching myself) Question 2. Oral, vaginal or rectal temp? Question 3. do you really use TP to check for mucus after you pee? Seems kinda, ummmm, contaminatory. Question 4. How many 'symptoms' do you track? Question 5. If you read The Art of NFP, did their use of the term "coitus" instead of "sex" get on your nerves? --- Question 2. Oral, vaginal or rectal temp? ORAL, ORAL, ORAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are Extremly convenient! You put it in your mouth, let it beep away for a few moments, it finalizes with a double beep and POOF - yer done. I normally chart it when I wake up, again, because the last temp stays on the screen fora few moments when you turn it back on. --- Question 3. do you really use TP to check for mucus after you pee? Seems kinda, ummmm, contaminatory. Yup, super easy. You'll KNOW if your cervical fluid is really 'fertile', because you'll notice that you feel 'wet'. Normally I wipe twice - well, rather - I Pat (I don't 'wipe) and the second time I just look at what's on the tissue paper. Or (I know this will sound gross) within a short amount of time I just used my fingers to judge. It's truly not as gross as it sounds... it's really interesting! And, wa la you wash your hands and go about your business. I promise you'll learn the different types very fast. --- The cervical fluid - discharge - whatever word you want to use - will be either sticky or wetter and SUPER flexible. (the super flexible is the fertile stuff, btw). It'll come onto your fingers and you judge it that way. You'll know via color (clear is fertile - yellowish/whitish is normally the beginning and or end of your fertile time). The sticky is not the very fertile stuff. There really is no 'touching' involved (to ease your fears) unless you do the cervix test (which most don't do) and the initial looking at the cervical fluid that's just 'there'. It sound so gross when it's explained, but I swear it's actually really neat and interesting to see where you body is. I remember getting SO grossed out when the teacher explained, but in the privacy of my own home it was just interesting, easy, and fast. It only takes a minute (if less) to determine where you are in yoru 'fertile stage'. --- OK - next NFP question. Do you abstain during your fertile period? If you don't and use a condom or something, hasn't your overall birth control effectivness been reduced to that of the condom? Do you worry about if the condom breaks or anything? --- We have just been abstaining because we really really really dislike condoms. In the beginning you have to abstain about a week, but once you learn the method and how your body works it's really only a 4-5 day to abstain. That said, I guess I might be nervous so that's up to you. We are both coming to a place where we are 'ok' if a baby is the result of such raw intimacy. Being on NFP really can help take your marriage to a whole new intimacy level knowing where/how your body is, etc. He's really anti-baby mode, right? Maybe use a spermicide and condom together? Or else he'd be able to wait in his total hesitance in baby/daddy hood? Especially if/when he sees that getting off of the pill has been really beneficial for you in a few areas? --- I've actually attempted the cervical check before- it wasn't that bad. I tried it in the shower in the morning. I don't use it, though. Temperature and mucus are enough for me to be able to tell. The mucus really isn't hard to identify once you know what you're looking for- I either see it in my underwear, or on the TP. Oral Temp!! I can't imagine why they even offer anything else as an option. We use condoms when I'm fertile. Because I don't like them too much, we tend to use them just enough to keep DH from climbing the walls then be more active when I'm not fertile. I figure if I get pregnant while using a condom, then God intended for us to have a baby. Both of us are ok with period sex- we just put down a thick old towel. A few things about reading The art of NFP irritated me. I just skipped over those parts since they were more about philosophy than the actual mechanics of NFP TO BE CONTINUED

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 1:37:51 PM)
(Answering the OP first, then I'll go back and read the thread) Question 1. Do you do the cervical check? If you do, was it hard for you to actually go in and check? I do the cervical check. I think it's kinda cool to touch organs and such! Question 2. Oral, vaginal or rectal temp? Oral Question 3. do you really use TP to check for mucus after you pee? Seems kinda, ummmm, contaminatory. Sometimes. Learning to check is hard at first, but once you have seen your body's version of each type of mucous, it will be as plain as day. My mucous is so productive, that when I am fertile, it just flows right out. It literally looks just like a gob of eggwhite. There is no mistake about it. Once you have seen the eggwhite mucous, the less-fertile mucous will be evident. Question 4. How many 'symptoms' do you track? Temp, cervical mucous and cervical position (openness). Cervical position isn't really necessary, but I like the assurance. For example, I generally have a temp rise around day 20, but this month I had two days elevated at only day 10!!! I knew it was stress related and the other two signs (cervical mucous and cervical position) confirmed it before I saw the temp drop again in a couple days. Question 5. If you read The Art of NFP, did their use of the term "coitus" instead of "sex" get on your nerves? Not as much as the term 'relations'. Cmmon! What year are we in? Relations!?! At least coitus is medical sounding. --- Do you abstain during your fertile period? Yes we do. Also, we didn't used to have period sex until we started NFP'ing. DH was a little sqeamish the first time, but it hasn't bothered him since. I know I've said this a hundred times before, but NFP really opened up our intimacy to a new level. It made us more vulnerable to each other and more mentally prepared for accepting God's will over our own. As for dealing with unwanted pregnancy panic, we've been there too. After baby #3 was born, we didn't have sex for three months for fear we might get pregnant. This, knowing that while breastfeeding, the chances of pregnancy are practically nil. DH kept remarking that if we got pregnant again, he'd go have a vasectomy. Now, he says if we get pregnant with twins he'd have one. Taking a permenant step like that is not a mutual decision. However, I mention it just to share that you are not alone. Everyone goes through these feelings at one time or another. It's part of growing in the Lord and learning to place our lives in His hands. Our generation has really been sold the 'birth control' mindset in that we really think we are in charge, when in reality, God is in charge. We may guide things to some extent, but ultimately, we would be wise to place our fertility in His hands. --- We've only used NFP while trying to conceive, but plan on using it after this baby is born also. Question 1. Do you do the cervical check? If you do, was it hard for you to actually go in and check? Sometimes, but I don't rely on it. Question 2. Oral, vaginal or rectal temp? Oral. Question 3. do you really use TP to check for mucus after you pee? Seems kinda, ummmm, contaminatory. This is the biggest sign for me. My fertile mucus is VERY obvious. I agree with the egg comparison. Question 4. How many 'symptoms' do you track? Temperature and mucus. Question 5. If you read The Art of NFP, did their use of the term "coitus" instead of "sex" get on your nerves? Haven't read it, but yes, that would get on my nerves. Do you abstain during your fertile period? No. We will be using condoms then. Tell my poor husband he can't have any and he will be all over me. We have no problem with period sex. We have a maroon towel we use just for that purpose. (Side note: my sister used this towel (clean!) for her shower once when she stayed here. I never told her, but now we keep it in our room instead of the bathroom. LOL) --- First of all, I'm single, never been married, never had sex. I'm dating someone very seriously (though we are not engaged) and have been researching NFP. If I start the NFP method now (I'd like to start prior to marriage for a few reasons), will my body change after marriage (and after starting to have sex) to the point that I'll have to "relearn" some of the NFP principles? Hmmm...I'm having difficulty putting it into words. Basically, will my charting change after having sex? I hope that makes sense! Also, have any of you started NFP prior to marriage? If so, I'd love to hear your stories (feel free to note me if you think it might be too off topic or personal). --- Question: how much will extra body heat in my bed affect my temps? DH isn't always in bed when I get up, and if he's there it's like 5 degrees hotter in bed --- Christine--that raises a couple of questions I've had too! I was wondering if my regular digital thermometer would work too. And I also was wondering about the heat/cold in the bedroom. I turn my heat way down in the winter and I only have a large capacity room a/c in my living room so it's hot in the summer in my bedroom. --- From my understanding, your body temperature evens out and adjusts under those comfy blankets. I don't think there is a cause for concern for either of you... but I could probably be wrong. And, (again from my understanding) there is a difference between a basal thermometor and a regular one. It charts to thee more specific temp and is more 'sensitive'. --- grateful - The Art of Natural Family planning is Far less confusing then the other. It was created with a classroom type format. The other book overwhelmed and confused me so fast. It's more of a 'second' book to read once u grasp NFP, IMHO. Did you ask your library to do an 'inter-library' loan? Normally, libraries request books from other libraries - a network of sorts. That's what mine had to do (I live in a very small town). I Love NFP! --- OK - another question. The book suggest that couples do the charting together. I about rolled my eyes at their suggestion to the husband getting the thermometer, the wife taking the temp, and the husband writing it down. I understand why the man needs to be involved, but I think that's a little dumb. Anyway, does anyone actually do that? --- No. That just sounds goofy to me. I took my temp when my husband's alarm went off to go to work, took my temp, charted it and then kicked his butt out of bed. He did ask how it worked and we went over the chart for the month together. That is plenty of involvement, IMO. --- Jason will ask me every morning what my temp was as accountability for me and so that he knows that I know that he is involved. He'll ask questions occasionally, but that's about it. Going to the class was the best thing he could have done, because then at least he 'gets' it. My instructors - Her hubby gets up way earlier so he'll pretty much put the therm in her mouth, take it out, write it down, and it's done. She has the hardest time awaking up. He, also, helps her read her charts. Sometimes it can be confusing - they are able to figure out 'high temps' and 'low temps'. He's more analytical and it helps her sometimes. J will do the same thing for me - like when I thought I was pregnant "tell me that I am not nuts and I am definitely staying high in my temps, etc". This may gross you out!!! BUT in the beginning I've had weird 'cerv. fluid' and he looked at it once or twice to help me figure it out. He's so wonderfully analytical that he helps me calm down or count 1+2=not pregnant, fertile or not fertile, etc. He lost all interest in that, mainly, after that time though. lol --- TO BE CONTINUED .....

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 1:46:59 PM)
....CONTINUED --- Kristin, 'Taking Charge' is appropriate for you with your infertility struggles. You will find it more useful than 'The Art of NFP' in that it is written by a GYN and explains fertility problems/awareness in-depth. 'Taking Charge' was written more for people who want to get pregnant or want to understand their cycle. 'The Art' was written more toward the generally healthy with emphasis on the rules of NFP. I have read both and they are equally good. I like the mucous descriptions better in 'Taking Charge', I like the rules better in 'The Art of NFP'. Also the 'Art of NFP' had more breastfeeding info, which was pertinant to me at a particular stage in our NFP'ing'. As for basal thermometers vs fever thermometers: Basal thermometers are calibrated to be sensitive in the low range (95-98) while fever thermometers are calibrated to be more sensitive in the high range (99-103). If you are NFP'ing, you definitely want to invest in a basal thermometer. Tammy_the_Third, your charting won't be different once married, except that you'll be charting in the 'coitus' column. Also, using heavy blankets during winter does not affect your readings as long as you are consistant throughout a given cycle. It only matters if you usually wear footie pajamas and thick blankets, then one night wore a thin nighty and a sheet. I actually notice a difference with a pair of fleece p.j.'s that I got for Christmas. They are much heavier and warmer than my usual p.j.s and it does affect my temp slightly on nights when I wear them. ---- Kati, Thanks for the information I'm looking forward to reading both books but I do like that Taking Charge is written by a gyn...I'm really trying to become more informed about my body. I decided, after reading what you all were saying in this thread, that this NFP might not be that difficult. I always know what day I am ovulating because I get a side ache. So, this month I started paying attention to mucous and noticed that I seemed to have more in the few days before side ache day. So, I figure if I chart temps we can probably figure out the days it would be safe for us to interact without a condom. We really do not like condoms but also do not like what happens when I get pregnant . So, NFP might be a good option for us. I have a question about the temping though...it seems like you guys are saying that you take your temp at the same time each day. But my favorite thing about the weekend is that I get to sleep in...I HATE GETTING UP EARLY! So, if I temped at 5:30 M-F and 8:30 or 9 on Sat and Sun would it mess everything up? --- From my reading, it depends on the phase you're in. In Phase II, I would try your best to get up and take your temp early. Even if you just go back to bed. And late Phase I also. IN phase III, taking it later on teh weekends is OK. --- Yup, it would. The temps wouldn't be 'accurate'. I usually get up (reach over to my night stand), stick the therm. in my mouth, let it beef for a few moments, hear the double beep - turn it off - see the temp - go right back to bed. Takes a minute. The 'nice' thing is that you really don't have to be overly concerned about temps once you've had your 'peak shift'. You are no longer fertile - everything dries up and your temps go back to normal. So, once you've determined that you'll have about 2 weekends a month you don't have to 'worry' - a weekend dry, and a weekend you first start your period. Something like that. --- Kristin, You will have to set your alarm on the weekends, but not for the whole month. Specifically, if you are consistant for the week prior to temp shift (days 7-14 of your cycle) you'll be all set for sleeping in the rest of the weekends. You need to be prudent about collecting at least six temps prior to the temperature shift, then when your temp shifts to the higher level, collect at least three high level temps. The sum total of nine days might take you through two weekends, but maybe only one. Also, if you miss a day here or there, it won't matter. --- Kristin, The other option would be to adjust your late-waking temps. I do this, because I have a baby as an alarm clock. Sometimes it goes off at 4:30 or 5, other times, it goes off at 6:30 or 7. The principle is as follows: Your waking temperature rises 1/10 of a degree each half hour. So, for example if you wake at 5:30 and your temp is 97.2, it would be 97.4 if you woke at 6:30, 97.6 at 7:30, and so on. It is more accurate to be consistant, but you could try it this way to see if it will work for you. --- Kati, here's a very silly question...so do you make your baby wait while you take your temp and chart it? I think I read in the book that they don't want you leaving bed at all before you get the temp. --- Yes, I temp first, then get up. I keep my thermometer under my pillow and it has become habit to do it as soon as I wake up. -- This is all very interesting to me. I have a strange cycle, and I just stopped taking the Pill 2 weeks ago. I think I will start charting to learn about my cycle. I have never actually ovulated, so I think charting can help me figure out what's going on. That way, when it's time to see a doc about infertility issues, I'll already be ready! --- What Eric wants to do is only have sex during phase III, and still use condoms the entire time. He's hesitant to engage during phase I, especially since you can't wear condoms in the shower and he'll only do it in the shower when I'm on my period. And to be honest, I'd rather not have sex in phase I for awhile until I get used to the charting and stuff anyway (and it's recommended for women just off the pill). It's not that DH doesn't trust NFP, it's that he doesn't trust any BC method. He insisted on using condoms AND the pill when I would have been fertile (although 18 months late we discover we were using condoms the wrong week ). I don't think charting for a few months and Eric seeing how easy it is will help. He's just stuborn and is that scared of getting pregnant. I'm trying to pray for him...and praying is certainly better than beating him with a 2x4. --- Backing you up in prayer Christine...and trusting God to provide the right 2x4 for your DH at the right time! I definitely know people who see NFP as unreliable- they assume its the same thing as the rhythm method (which was not all that reliable). Oh, and not to hijack this, but without being too specific, I need prayers that God's will would be done in my life. Yeah, it relates to a particular area of my life, but I'd rather not say at the moment. I've never seen a basal thermometer that goes into the hundreds. The one CCLI sent me with the home study course is pink! If you already have the Art of NFP book from the library, the only other things the home study course includes are the charts (which you can buy separately), and the thermometer (which you can buy separately). If you're reading the book from the library, I'd say the only reason to get the home study course is if you want a copy of the book to keep for yourself (which is a valid reason- its a good resource). --- I made my own charts, based on the CCLI chart. I could see spenign the money for the kit for the membership and free chart translating, but I think y'all will be a good enough resourse for me. --- Tammy, As far as charting before marriage .... I read in one of the books that it's a good idea because you can have a good idea of your cervical mucus without confusing it with semen fluid later. Make sense? Plus, I think it would be a great idea just to get into the habit of doing it and learning about your cycles. --- I guess that's what I was wondering about--if I could tell the difference between semen fluid or lube and cervical fluid. I guess I'll be able to tell the difference when the time comes. It's funny because I've learned A LOT about my body since reading the book. It sure makes me realize that we certainly ARE wonderfully made! --- You'll definitely be able to tell the difference when the time comes - Especially since you'll already know your body! I was like you - it made me even more in AWE of God when I realized how He made our bodies as women. I think it's so awesome that you are learning this now.... you don't have to worry about withstaining (pregnancy no stress) and you get to learn your body. --- I've been charting for 10 days now. my temps are still about the same (finally leveled off from being sick), and I see/feel no mucus yet. I've even checked internal and feel nothing there either ... although I'm not totally sure if I'm in the right place. I figure if I check it every day than I'll know if it changes, right? --- Weel, I've been reading that the Pill can sort of screw up your mucus ..... I normally have a lot of mucus almost every day, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to tell anything form it! But I figure once the Pill's out of my system, that will help. --- The focus was on young couples this mag, including several who had come off the pill and were fearful about NFP working, etc, also, the joys of flax oil. Even if you don't want to get the magazine subscription, you might call and ask for the Jan/Feb issue --- It's good stuff. Really helped reduce the pain from my monthly cramps (way back when I used to get periods, LOL!). I've always been very regular but a lot of people say it's a huge help with irregular cycles, and just general all around reproductive health. --- Gallery of sample charts. You need java to see them. http://www.ovusoft.com/ourtcoyf/gallery/ --- I have a question that I'm hoping Tora, or someone else, will know. Is it possible to be fertile mucus without having the tacky less fertile stuff pre-empt it? I know someone who was aroused one evening (nothing happened, just the body responded without touch), but even the next morning the creamy stuff was there, but then it dried up in a day. Was that fertile? Last week I had a day where I felt wet, had fertile stuff, but it dried up within 1.5 days... and there wasn't much pre-empting tacky stuff. Like a dumbie I didn't temp, gr. - but I'm wondering if that could have been fertile or not. (I"m goona temp next month!) --- I'll be looking inmy book but is day 1 of your cycle considered the frist day of your period? --- yep --- TO BE CONTINUED

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 2:15:12 PM)
...CONTINUED --- Well ... month two is going OK. Remember I decided to do NFP for multiple reasons, one of which was my extremely low sex drive. I think that was a good choice. I'm much more sexually ready the last two months, but unfortunately it's during phase 2. I think today is my peak day. I've been able to monitor my internal mucus, but my exteranal mucus isn't happening at all. I may try vitamin A. I think I read that in my book, but I'm not sure. --- I asked Eric last night if he saw progress in my intimacy desire level. He said he did and he was very grateful for my effort and happy that I'm enjoying it more. He also said it wasn't that he was frustrated before that I never wanted it, nor was he frustrated that I wasn't trying hard enough (when I said I was trying), but frustrated that I had to make such a conscience effort to do something for instinctly natural. So I think we have that part fixed and Eric and I are doing much better in that area. We don't have nearly as many arguments over it. In fact, I'm even surprising him a lot more and he's really enjoying it. --- So I'm on cycle day 14, and my temp has gone up sufficiently or stayed the same for 4 days in a row (although not yet to the 98.0 that I normally consider "safe"). Only catch is that I have had NO mucus whatsoever, and I usually do. DH is getting antsy, and I have no idea if I'm in stage 3 yet. Any ideas? No medication, sickness, odd sleep schedule, etc that should be affecting anything. --- hmmmm .... have you had any mucous yet in this phase? could you be anovulatory this month? --- No mucus at all...and I don't know what an anovulatory phase looks like as I don't think I've had one. Usually "safe" for me occurs somewhere around day 17-18, and my temps are above 98.0 --- No mucus at all...and I don't know what an anovulatory phase looks like as I don't think I've had one. Usually "safe" for me occurs somewhere around day 17-18, and my temps are above 98.0 --- I just gotta say that I love how our bodies work! This month I knew that ovulation was coming up via the dates/knowing my body, etc. Well, I was out with Jason when suddenly I had SHARP pains on my right side wher emy ovaries are. I was like, Huney - I know what side my egg dropped from CAUSE IT JUST HAPPENED! he was kind of tweaked about that, but I found it Awesome --- That is interesting! I have had those sharp pains where my ovaries are too, but I didn't know that was actually the moment when the egg dropped! NFP interests me, but it seems like so much trouble to go through. Why not just take the pill or something? I mean you have to watch everything like temp and mucous and stuff. I wouldn't have a clue! --- NFP really isn't all that much work. It takes some effort to learn about it, but it's pretty easy. I went off the Pill because I was tired of having hormones in my system when I didn't need them. Also, a lot of people are against the Pill beacuse it can sometimes cause early miscarriages. --- That and the pill kills sexual urges, puts harmful unnecessary chemicals in your body, and hurts you hormonally. Has weight gain. Essentially, it has needless side affects. NFP is super easy once you learn it. Super easy and it's AMAZING to see how God created our bodies so specifically. It's a trip to KNow when you can get pregnant - to Know when you've dropped an egg - etc --- NFP is actually very effective, if you know how to interprete the data. What's ineffective is "Rhythm" method, which is similar but not as data oriented, just based on timing of your menstrual cycle ... which doesn't tell you when you ovulate, but when your uterus schluffs. I was a fan of the pill and really liked it, but it killed my sex drive. I didn't know how much it killed my sex drive until I went off. Now I actually like sex, and my husband actually isn't afraid to pursue me. And once you get used to NFP, your fertile time is only about 5-7 days or so. And a lot of people on here will use condoms during fertile times (or less unfertile times). --- I haven't read alot of the other posts. I personally don't want to go through all 280 of them! So, just to ask a few questions... Is it hard to get started w/ NFP? How can I get some info on the subject? --- www.ccli.org It's not hard, but there's some reading involved. Go to your library and check out "The ARt of Natural Family Planning." It's written by a catholic couple, so there's a lot of stuff that I just ignored and skipped over, but the method is there. --- I'm not to enthused at the idea of taking bc pills. I have already started taking them and have just finished up my first pack. I have already gained a few pounds! I just don't think Josh will trust anything BUT the pill! We are really not ready to have children right now and he's going to be paranoid even though I'm taking the pill! --- Dove, I understand and the first three months you may be using a lot of condoms until you learn your body. Have you always had regular periods? I can say, with a certainty, that this really does work with no cost (well, after you buy a thermometer), nothing artificial to mess up your body, and you'll be AMAZED to see how God really created your body. There really is only 4-7 days that you can get pregnant in a whole month! I remember the paranoia even when I was on the pill - all for Nothing! --- Well, I finally started temping and charting. I didn't read the entire book (Art of Natural Family Planning) but enough to kind of know how to do it (I plan to purchase a copy and read it if my boyfriend and I decide to get married). --- WOW --- 96 deg? That's low for me. But if that's where you're at, that's where you're at. I made my own charts, based on what's in the book. I didn't read the whole book either, but the important parts. And I bought it after we decided to try NFP for a few months, so I have it as a resource. --- yup, girl - for you that is normal! The lady who does NFP down here had to change her charts cause 96 is the 'norm' for her. I haven't charted in a few months, but I think that was normal for me too. --- Tammy, I got the CCLI magazine for a very little while because I did the home study course, and I usually skimmed it. There was an article in there once about consistently off-the-charts low temperatures being indicative of something...I just don't remember what. It wasn't anything serious, and I'm racking my brains now. But since all you're concerned with is the CHANGE in temperature, it probably doesn't matter a whole lot. My normal low temps are in the mid 97 range, and I usually figure I'm done being fertile when my temps break 98 for a few days in a row. I do temp every day, and write it down every day. My thermometer is digital and it stores the last reading, so on weekends when the alarm goes off I stick the thermometer in my mouth till it beeps, then put it back and go back to sleep. Later during the day I turn the thermometer back on and chart the recorded temperature. Jessica, I will NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, go back on hormonal birth control. Well, barring some writing on walls that is. If you've already read this story in this thread or another, feel free to skip it. I won't be offended I lasted 3 months on the bc. The first month was tolerable, I think because I started it the month before my wedding so I was caught up in the planning and excitement. The next 2 months on the pill were (no exaggeration) pure torture for DH AND I. I was moody, depressed, and had an active dislike of sex (try explaining that to a newlywed!) For a while I chalked it up to the stress of moving cross country and starting a new job, but it got worse and worse. It finally dawned on me that the pill might be the problem when I realized the only time I felt even close to normal was during the week that I was on the placebo pills. Once I stopped the pills, it was amazing how fast I felt like myself again. I'm even getting to the point where I actually WANT to be intimate with DH, which is a vast improvement over the first 2 months, and still an improvement over even just liking it. End story repetition I actually charted for a few months, then stopped charting when I went on the bc. The basics are pretty easy to learn, especially once you have an actual chart to look at. DH and I don't want kids yet, and we use condoms when I'm fertile. Neither of us likes them all THAT much, but they're far better than the effect that the pill had on me. I can honestly say that the only good thing about the pill was that otherwise we would have needed to use condoms on our wedding night. Jessica, if you want MORE info, etc, feel free to note me. --- TO BE CONTINUED

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 2:23:00 PM)
Oh, and DH is now in agreement with me about NFP. He was kind of hesitant at first, but by the third month on the pill, he was willing to take my word that if we did NFP correctly the chances of getting pregnant were pretty slim. I find it interesting that people can be so sold out on the pill and other hormonal bc that it makes us doubt if our own bodies can tell us if we're fertile or not. --- I don't chart and I don't temp but I have a pretty good idea when I'm fertile because I watch my cervical mucous. Around ovulation I experience low cramping, like menstrual cramps. I always thought ovulation pain was on one side or the other. Does anyone else experience this low menstrual type cramping? Any idea if this is before, during or after ovulation? It lasts several hours I'd say. --- OK --- I think it's time for a poll or two. (were you on BC before starting NFP) --- voted yes, but it was over three years ago that I went off the pill. We then tried to get pregnant for over two years before we found the problem: a huge growth on one of my ovaries, which the doctors believe was caused by hormonal bc. Had the tumor (benign!) and ovary removed and got pregnant two months later (praise God!). Just had my little girl 6 weeks ago and now are using NFP w/ spermicide. I would nevernevernevernever go back on hormonal bc. Had no idea what it would do to my body! --- Stacy, now you have me wondering! lol Maybe I'll do a search for it on the net and find out...if I do, I'll post it. Another question...Sometimes I get up at around 3 or 3:30 a.m. to use the restroom. I then temp at 5:30 a.m....is that a problem? I remember someone saying you're supposed to have consistent sleep for like 4 hours in order for the temp to be accurate. --- Tammy, I think it shouldn't be a problem as long as you are consistent about what time you're taking your temp. On the pre-done charts, you could change the 97 to a 96 so it would work for you. I haven't been temping lately. I wasn't ovulating, and I got lazy. We're still using condoms anyway. I saw a fertility doc a couple of weeks ago to figure out what's wrong with my cycle ..... or lack thereof. He put me on progesterone to induce a period. Hopefully that will start in the next few days. Then, I have to go back on Day 3 to have more labwork done. When that is back, I'll have to go back and see him and we'll sit down with all the labwork and see what happens. I REALLY like this guy, and I'm very optimistic that he'll be able to help us figure out what's going on. --- Sherry, glad you found a good fertility doctor! I'm praying things work out for you. I found an article on ccli...turns out that low thyroid can cause low temps. They said that a blood test can come back normal even though you have thyroid problems. Something to think about (I have several of the symptoms they mentioned). Anyway, just thought you all would like to know. --- Tammy, Thanks for posting the thyroid thing- now I can stop racking my brain about it. I dont' think getting up to use the bathroom at night affects the temps because I do it too. Heck, I temp at 6am, but am sometimes awake from 5-530 or so. I just lay still and try to go back to sleep, and it doesn't seem to affect my temps. I think the idea is to not get up and do anything active- it needs a resting temperature. At least that was my understanding- anyone who knows otherwise can feel free to correct me. --- According my book, you can do light activites while temping. It also made it sound like you could exercise for 30 minutes, get back to a resting temp and be what you would be if you didn't exercise. But I'm not sure. Basically it said teh body is really good at regulating it's temperatures. --- What about being up with the baby at 2 or 3 or 4? I'm up for about half an hour nursing her, but rarely sleep another 4 hours after I feed her. Oh well, I'm not temping yet since I haven't got my period anyway. We're just using something every time --- Donna, I NFP'ed following two babies now (waking and nursing etc) and while my temps are slightly irregular, it is not hard to identify the thermal shift. I usually have to disregard 1-2 temps in the first or second cycle week, but even with that irregularity, it isn't enough to miss seeing the thermal shift. I don't think you'll have a problem. Also, if you are breastfeeding, your chances of conceiving are lower than your normal state of fertility. For example, I started my periods after 8 months with this last baby, yet my cycles are still probably infertile. I ovulate each month, however my luteal phase is shortened to about 5-7 days therefore even if we did conceive, it is highly unlikely that my body would be able to sustain the pregnancy. There isn't enough time for proper build up and implantation. Also, if you are fully or nearly fully breastfeeding, it is likely that you will have a longer period of time before your menses resume. I am unusual in that mine resume sooner than most. I would recommend that you read 'Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing' by Sheila Kippley. If you haven't yet gotten a copy of 'The Art of NFP' you could begin there because there are many chapters full of breastfeeding and return to fertility information. --- Thanks, Kati. Did you start temping right away or wait until you start your period again? Wondering if it's worth the hassle right now... --- Donna, I started temping when I saw what appeared to be fertile quality stretchy mucous (which happened to be the day the lochia stopped at about 5-6weeks post partum). That said, I don't believe that any charting whatsoever is neccessary for the first three months because your chances of pregnancy are practically nil. During the second three months, your chances of pregnancy are 1-2% (with no charting) so provided your menses have not returned and you're still fully breastfeeding, there is no need to chart. Many post-partum women experience all the time "background" mucous. Usually, the mucous is sticky, not stretchy. Since my background mucous happened to be stretchy fertile quality, I made the assumption (in agreement with the NFP instructors) that I might be fertile. In hindsight, I never did ovulate until after my first period. All those months of being careful really weren't neccessary but we had no way of knowing that. If I had a "do-over" I would have ignored the first three months completely, then began charting during the 3-6 month time frame. My advice to you is to begin charting if a) you notice signs of fertility -- mucous or bleeding or b) you reduce breastfeeding to less than 90% --- phew ..... that's all of them. Hope that helps for the new followers, and us followers of the thread in Old CW. :)

Tea-Tea -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 3:56:41 PM)
Christine, thanks a bunch!

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 4:06:20 PM)
you're welcome. [sm=cool.gif][sm=sly.gif]

gratefulforgrace -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 5:24:53 PM)
Wow...that was a lot of work...thanks for doing that Christine! So, I've finally decided to start temping. I decided it would be good to get in the habit. My doctor wants me to try Clomid whenever we decide we want to try and get pregnant again and I'll have to know a pretty exact ovulation date for that. So, since we want to take some time off of the pregnancy wheel for a while and I'll have to temp when we decide to try again, I decided that now would be a good time to get used to it. So, I started temping today just to get started but I won't really start tracking until day 1 of my next period. Does that sound right?

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 5:44:50 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: gratefulforgrace Wow...that was a lot of work...thanks for doing that Christine! So, I've finally decided to start temping. I decided it would be good to get in the habit. My doctor wants me to try Clomid whenever we decide we want to try and get pregnant again and I'll have to know a pretty exact ovulation date for that. So, since we want to take some time off of the pregnancy wheel for a while and I'll have to temp when we decide to try again, I decided that now would be a good time to get used to it. So, I started temping today just to get started but I won't really start tracking until day 1 of my next period. Does that sound right? sounds good. You might want to try to track some mucus too, just to get the hang of it. The two together are really a great tool.

gratefulforgrace -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 5:46:32 PM)
Well, I already notice my mucus. I mean, I've always basically known when I'm fertile because I get a side ache and I have a lot more mucus. So, I figured that just adding temps would allow me to be super specific about it.

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 5:51:13 PM)
yep. sounds good.

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 7:53:58 PM)
There's a poll now. Same question as before, but now it's here. ;)

Flintejae -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/11/2005 11:45:08 PM)
Chris - Wow, that was amazing. I must say; it was neat/fun to see posts that I did! [sm=icon_smile_approve.gif] As some of you know, I stopped temping for about three months now. I slightly regret that now, but nothing vast. My dh and I haven't been intimate in a long time anyways and I don't know when we will again so I quite watching. However, my dh put his two weeks in and Friday is his last day. I guess we'll lose his amazing health benefits at the end of th emonth. Thankfully I'll be able to get onto my works even though it isn't as good. I say all that to say this: I'm going to start temping again. I miss journaling and knowing Exactly when my period was and when to expect it. Plus, I think God may be healing areas of my marriage... and I'd like to ahve a bigger idea when I can get pregnant and when I can't. I'm not sure of either though deep down. I know that I'll be getting my period soon just by knowing my body (ty NFP). I was also able to tell, since knowing my body through NFP, that I had a bacterial infection - and that it was my vestibulius acting up cause there was no discharge like one gets with a yeast infection, etc. Was that TMI? I soooooooooooooo need to start temping just for me!

PrincessDonna -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (4/12/2005 10:17:12 AM)
Christine, you're awesome! [sm=smile-l.gif] I'm a bit nervous about the family vacation we're taking the end of next month. I don't know why, but I have this irrational fear that we're going to end up pregnant while on our trip. I'm exclusively nursing my seven week old baby and we're using spermicide also, so it's highly unlikely. If we did get pregnant then, Hannah would be a year old when the baby was born...and all four of our kids would have February birthdays! Guess May is a good month for us, huh? No wonder I'm such a spaz!

scbusf -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/12/2005 2:07:30 PM)
I need to start temping again, too. I saw a fertility doc last month and he's GREAT! I haven't had a period in 3 months, and I tired Provera for 10 days, and still nothing. I go back on THursday, and they'll probably put me back on the Pill for a month just to induce a period. As soon as my period starts, I'll start temping again. The fertility doc was impressed that I had my charts when I saw him the first time! Sherry

uponeagleswings -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/12/2005 9:52:45 PM)
Thanks for all of that work Christine...you've been busy. I did finally get some mucus to line up with a thermal shift. It was a bit later than usual, though. No idea why.

3toraiseup -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/13/2005 8:09:01 AM)
Help I need some blank charts! Does anyone have a on-line or computer format chart they could email me? I have run out of forms and we are packing up our computer tomorrow to move. I have been using the CCLI chart format, but any kind would do. If you have one, please send to two_to_raiseup@hotmail.com Thanks, Kati

gratefulforgrace -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/13/2005 11:34:28 AM)
Actually, is there a way to post links here? I'd like to see those charts too!

Tea-Tea -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/13/2005 11:44:11 AM)
Here's a link to the ccli website where you can open or download a chart

scbusf -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/14/2005 10:48:01 AM)
You can also get free charts on the TCOYF site. I went for some bloodwork today at the fertility doc. I'm waiting to hear back. I may have to go back on the Pill to induce a period. YUCK. TOMORROW I'll start temping again. I really need to ...... I'm just lazy, I guess! Sherry

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/14/2005 11:40:57 AM)
so I have a question for y'all. Why is it that I have great internal mucus, but NO external mucus. Then my temp starts going up, my internal mucus either goes away or it's VERY infertile, and THEN I start getting external mucus??? Is this just my body and I should get used to it? Or is there something I can do for external mucus? I am taking Vitamin A, as I heard that's supposed to help with mucus production. Any other thoughts?

scbusf -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/15/2005 10:48:58 PM)
Hmmm .... maybe it's just your body. Do you still have the books? Can you look it up? I'm not sure where mine is right now. Sherry

Flintejae -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/16/2005 12:30:38 AM)
Hey Chris... I'm not sure that I understand your question? (btw, YOU GO GIRL for doing the internal. You are now my hero. [;)] [:D] ) One will always know Exactly when they start becoming fertile due to internal mucus (thus, there will be more 'inside'). Are you saying that you get NOTHING outside at all?

christsstar -> RE: Natural Family Planning ---- Questions, Answers, and Support (read OP for poll question) (4/16/2005 4:06:55 AM)
Janine --- yes, I have NO external mucus until AFTER my temp spikes and my internal mucus is either really infertile or non-existent. If I went solely by my external mucus I'd be very wrong in my guess of my fertility.

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