Post Partum NFP

[Assisi]

This is one of the reasons I love my OB! And the OB I had before him.

I thought I would get yelled at because I didn't even have one period between our last baby and this one (on purpose). My old OB just said, 'Congrats! That was quick' My new OB said he believed God made women to be able to do that - and not to worry about it. He basically said it was a good thing. It helps when your health care providers are Christians who have the same basic moral beliefs surrounding children as you do.

At one point my old OB recommended the use of condoms. When we said we had a moral objection he just said 'ok', and gave us our alternatives.

 

[sparassidae]

Hi there! I've never done a course either, just kept an eye on my mucous. I never had a problem after pregnancy, while breastfeeding my mucous was just non-existant so it was easy to spot when my cycle came back.

I typically have a couple of anovulatory cycles about 12 months pp, then it's been quite easy to spot when my fertility actually comes back.

Have confidence in youself!

 

[Called2Grace]

I'm not sure my DH will have as much confidence, but I guess I can only determine what I do, not what he does.

 

[Pinki]

I would be really hesitant to rely on NFP if you REALLY don't want to fall pregnant again.

I breastfed both of my babies around the clock (at least every 3 hours, often more frequently), but still had my period back at 6 weeks, and was regular from then on.

I guess it depends on how "sure" you are of your fertility signs. It might be worthwhile using some ovulation predictor tests until your cycle becomes regular - just as another indicator of where your body is at.

 

[seamonster]

We did PP NFP and it worked pretty well for us. I didn't get my first period until 5 months PP, but my periods were regular from then on. For those five months, I did chart and tracked my temps, but I also used ovulation tests, which I think are a lifesaver.

 

[hisbloodformysins]

Hi,

I know that I am jumping the gun a bit and should really be relaxing, but I'm a little concerned about post partum NFP. Is there anyone who has experience/knowledge in this area?

I have pretty easy to read signs and find NFP normally very achievable. (Even though we weren't actively TTC, we knew at the time that we would concieve!)
DH likes to space children and I don't even know if he is open to any more children yet! So it is really important that I get it right. - For those that don't know, my hubby isn't a Catholic, or even a Christian, which means that he doesn't quite see things the same we that I do.

I normally use a mixture of BBT, and various other signs, so any tips would be greatly apreciated!

What is NFP???

 

[Called2Grace]

What is NFP???

NFP is natural family planning, using non contraceptive methods of spacing children.

 

[hisbloodformysins]

I was sort of using a plan like that, just planning around my cycle...... got pregnant twice doing it though....

HB

 

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

I haven't given this a whole lot of thought but I suspect we'll go back to using condoms (which we used before we started TTC a loooooooooong time ago ). I honestly hated every minute of charting my temps and only did it because I wanted a baby so bad. Neither DH nor I have problems with condoms so I'm quite sure we'll go back to using them until we are ready to start trying again (if we decide to try it again) or at that point we would discuss permanent birth control options *ahem* he'll get the big V *ahem*

 

[Called2Grace]

Yeah I have a feeling that DH will insist on using some sort of contraception (probably condoms). Due to my beliefs though, I'm not looking forward to going through that again, but I have been assured that as long as it isn't me then it is ok. This will probably be more understood by the Catholics here

 

[Leanna]

I was sort of using a plan like that, just planning around my cycle...... got pregnant twice doing it though....

HB

That's more accurately called the rhythm method .... that's not NFP....

 

[Called2Grace]

NFP can be a really effective method (well it has been for us anyway!) but I think that it depends a lot on different factors, I have also heard personal experiences of the couples that have tried really hard and just haven't been able to get it to work effectively. But for us, I am lucky in that although I have longer cycles (38-42 day) cycles I generally have fairly predictable signs of ovulation. Even though we weren't actively TTC, we knew that we would probably fall pregnant, but chose to go ahead anyway.

 

[angelsgirl]

Hehe... i hope NFP works for us this time.
Its the only form of birth control that I am comfortable with.

I feel for you C2G... ti would be very hard if your husband wanted to use condoms... I hope that when the time comes he decides he doesn't want to use them!!!

 

[FaithLoveHope9]

I kind of like charting my cycle... I feel like I know my body more, and though now we are using it for pregnancy achievement, I wouldn't mind continuing to use it after... Though we'd probably go back to condoms until I know my cycle again after the baby is born.

 

[Called2Grace]

When I was first learning the techniques, it made me feel much more empowered and also in awe of the female body!

 

[angelsgirl]

It was nice to actually know what was going on.
I had irregular cycles for about 2 years after coming of the pill. Using NFP made me aware of what was happening.
I think knowing what was happening made the less irregular for me too.

 

[Called2Grace]

Yeah, same here! I became regularly irregular Then it settled down, but it is amazing to realise what being on the pill does to your cycle!

 

[FaithLoveHope9]

I hear that! I am only on Cycle 2 since being off BC- and both have been 40 days I am hoping things straighten out, and I am never going on the pill again!