FAM

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

hi, Khristina. I have been a natural family planning (fertility awareness) teacher for a very long time. I have some specific questions for you and would be glad to talk with you through this post or by PM.
1. Are you trying to avoid or achieve pregnancy?
2. Do you remember how often you had a period before you started hormonal contraception? If so, what was the length from the start of your period to the day before the next one started?
heads up about thermometers - use a basal body thermometer (Becton-Dickinson is the best digital one) to get an accurate reading so that you can clearly see the relatively small rise in temperature that comes after ovulation.
the first two questions are the most important; I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Wow thanks for responding to my post thats awesome that you are invovled in this. You can help so many people on this site that may have the same questions. I dont mind talking about this through the post because I hope I help others that may be wondering the same thing.

As far as my cycles before the pill I dont remember them so much. I was very underweight (103lbs) and sicker as far as my cf.
I am now at a healthy 130lbs and I am 5'5". So I have a feeling that my cycles will be very different than they were before. That is another reason I stopped my birth control pills, so I can see what my norm might be right now.

I am using the FAM to try to get to know my normal cycles and to acheive pregnancy in the hopefully near future. Where is the most likely place I will find a Becton-Dickson, I have never heard of that kind before? Thanks Laura I hope to learn more from you about this!!

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Wow thanks for responding to my post thats awesome that you are invovled in this. You can help so many people on this site that may have the same questions. I dont mind talking about this through the post because I hope I help others that may be wondering the same thing.

As far as my cycles before the pill I dont remember them so much. I was very underweight (103lbs) and sicker as far as my cf.
I am now at a healthy 130lbs and I am 5'5". So I have a feeling that my cycles will be very different than they were before. That is another reason I stopped my birth control pills, so I can see what my norm might be right now.

I am using the FAM to try to get to know my normal cycles and to acheive pregnancy in the hopefully near future. Where is the most likely place I will find a Becton-Dickson, I have never heard of that kind before? Thanks Laura I hope to learn more from you about this!!

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Wow thanks for responding to my post thats awesome that you are invovled in this. You can help so many people on this site that may have the same questions. I dont mind talking about this through the post because I hope I help others that may be wondering the same thing.

As far as my cycles before the pill I dont remember them so much. I was very underweight (103lbs) and sicker as far as my cf.
I am now at a healthy 130lbs and I am 5'5". So I have a feeling that my cycles will be very different than they were before. That is another reason I stopped my birth control pills, so I can see what my norm might be right now.

I am using the FAM to try to get to know my normal cycles and to acheive pregnancy in the hopefully near future. Where is the most likely place I will find a Becton-Dickson, I have never heard of that kind before? Thanks Laura I hope to learn more from you about this!!

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

Khristina.
When you start having periods and IF your cycles are 26-32 days from the beginning of one period to the day before the next one you can use the Standard Days Method (www.irh.org) with CycleBeads (www.cyclebeads.com) to figure out when you are fertile and when you are not. We sell the beads at our clinic, maybe you can find them locally. This method alone is 95% effective - don't rely on this until you are sure you are having periods at least every 26 days and not more than 32 days apart. If you want to increase the effectiveness of fertility awareness you can also learn to observe and chart cervical mucus changes and to take your temperature (the instructions are specific for basal body temperature). Most pharmacies carry basal body thermometers; Becton-Dickinson is the one recommended for use in preventing pregnancy through NFP. In using any type of fertility awareness/natural family planning it is important to discuss with your partner how you will express love and affection during the days you KNOW you are fertile. (smile) I love these questions, Khristina, thank you for posting this topic!
Melissa probably knows how to put a picture of the beads right here (I don't, yet!)

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

Khristina.
When you start having periods and IF your cycles are 26-32 days from the beginning of one period to the day before the next one you can use the Standard Days Method (www.irh.org) with CycleBeads (www.cyclebeads.com) to figure out when you are fertile and when you are not. We sell the beads at our clinic, maybe you can find them locally. This method alone is 95% effective - don't rely on this until you are sure you are having periods at least every 26 days and not more than 32 days apart. If you want to increase the effectiveness of fertility awareness you can also learn to observe and chart cervical mucus changes and to take your temperature (the instructions are specific for basal body temperature). Most pharmacies carry basal body thermometers; Becton-Dickinson is the one recommended for use in preventing pregnancy through NFP. In using any type of fertility awareness/natural family planning it is important to discuss with your partner how you will express love and affection during the days you KNOW you are fertile. (smile) I love these questions, Khristina, thank you for posting this topic!
Melissa probably knows how to put a picture of the beads right here (I don't, yet!)

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

Khristina.
When you start having periods and IF your cycles are 26-32 days from the beginning of one period to the day before the next one you can use the Standard Days Method (www.irh.org) with CycleBeads (www.cyclebeads.com) to figure out when you are fertile and when you are not. We sell the beads at our clinic, maybe you can find them locally. This method alone is 95% effective - don't rely on this until you are sure you are having periods at least every 26 days and not more than 32 days apart. If you want to increase the effectiveness of fertility awareness you can also learn to observe and chart cervical mucus changes and to take your temperature (the instructions are specific for basal body temperature). Most pharmacies carry basal body thermometers; Becton-Dickinson is the one recommended for use in preventing pregnancy through NFP. In using any type of fertility awareness/natural family planning it is important to discuss with your partner how you will express love and affection during the days you KNOW you are fertile. (smile) I love these questions, Khristina, thank you for posting this topic!
Melissa probably knows how to put a picture of the beads right here (I don't, yet!)

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Laura,
I am so glad we have this website to rely on each other for help!

I edited my first post to reflect that I stopped the Nuva RIng about 3 1/2 weeks ago not 4 1/2 like I originaly posted. I have already started to monitor the cervical position and fluid. I haven't started charting yet because I dont have the thermometer. But as soon as I get that I will start to chart. I just want the chart to be as thorough as possible.

I had a talk with my husband last night about that very thing. What kind of intimacy should we show while I am fertile. We have not had a carrier test done on my hubby yet so its imparitive that we protect ourselves from pregnancy until he has done that and we get the results. So until then we will use a barrier method while I am fertile.
But since I wont know for sure that I am fertile for awhile we are using a barrier method now.

I have read a book that was very helpful and its what got me started with the FAM. Its called "Taking Charge Of Your Fertility". It came with charts and a cdrom. I have read the whole thing (its a large book). Very informative.

My question to you is when do you think I should start charting? Should I start now even though I dont have the thermometer? Or should I wait to get it? Should I wait until my next period or does it not matter? I dont remember exactly what day my last period was thats why I say about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I wish I would of wrote it down.
I am not to good with all of this since I haven't had to deal with it in sooo long. Thanks

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Laura,
I am so glad we have this website to rely on each other for help!

I edited my first post to reflect that I stopped the Nuva RIng about 3 1/2 weeks ago not 4 1/2 like I originaly posted. I have already started to monitor the cervical position and fluid. I haven't started charting yet because I dont have the thermometer. But as soon as I get that I will start to chart. I just want the chart to be as thorough as possible.

I had a talk with my husband last night about that very thing. What kind of intimacy should we show while I am fertile. We have not had a carrier test done on my hubby yet so its imparitive that we protect ourselves from pregnancy until he has done that and we get the results. So until then we will use a barrier method while I am fertile.
But since I wont know for sure that I am fertile for awhile we are using a barrier method now.

I have read a book that was very helpful and its what got me started with the FAM. Its called "Taking Charge Of Your Fertility". It came with charts and a cdrom. I have read the whole thing (its a large book). Very informative.

My question to you is when do you think I should start charting? Should I start now even though I dont have the thermometer? Or should I wait to get it? Should I wait until my next period or does it not matter? I dont remember exactly what day my last period was thats why I say about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I wish I would of wrote it down.
I am not to good with all of this since I haven't had to deal with it in sooo long. Thanks

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Laura,
I am so glad we have this website to rely on each other for help!

I edited my first post to reflect that I stopped the Nuva RIng about 3 1/2 weeks ago not 4 1/2 like I originaly posted. I have already started to monitor the cervical position and fluid. I haven't started charting yet because I dont have the thermometer. But as soon as I get that I will start to chart. I just want the chart to be as thorough as possible.

I had a talk with my husband last night about that very thing. What kind of intimacy should we show while I am fertile. We have not had a carrier test done on my hubby yet so its imparitive that we protect ourselves from pregnancy until he has done that and we get the results. So until then we will use a barrier method while I am fertile.
But since I wont know for sure that I am fertile for awhile we are using a barrier method now.

I have read a book that was very helpful and its what got me started with the FAM. Its called "Taking Charge Of Your Fertility". It came with charts and a cdrom. I have read the whole thing (its a large book). Very informative.

My question to you is when do you think I should start charting? Should I start now even though I dont have the thermometer? Or should I wait to get it? Should I wait until my next period or does it not matter? I dont remember exactly what day my last period was thats why I say about 3 1/2 weeks ago. I wish I would of wrote it down.
I am not to good with all of this since I haven't had to deal with it in sooo long. Thanks

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

Khristina. Learning to use natural family planning, which includes checking mucus and taking temperature, takes about 6 months - it is difficult to switch directly from a hormonal to a natural method. Consider how you want to prevent pregnancy while you are learning. Learning to determine when you are fertile takes time and patience ..... the Cycle Beads are a great way to start. I have worked with many women who become pregnant in the first few months of learning/using a natural method. You can start observing signs and charting any time as long as you know the first day of your last period ........ but actually using the method, I can't emphasize this enough, takes time. Might you consider the CycleBeads? You are asking great questions! Do you feel any changes not using the Nuva Ring?

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

Khristina. Learning to use natural family planning, which includes checking mucus and taking temperature, takes about 6 months - it is difficult to switch directly from a hormonal to a natural method. Consider how you want to prevent pregnancy while you are learning. Learning to determine when you are fertile takes time and patience ..... the Cycle Beads are a great way to start. I have worked with many women who become pregnant in the first few months of learning/using a natural method. You can start observing signs and charting any time as long as you know the first day of your last period ........ but actually using the method, I can't emphasize this enough, takes time. Might you consider the CycleBeads? You are asking great questions! Do you feel any changes not using the Nuva Ring?

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

Khristina. Learning to use natural family planning, which includes checking mucus and taking temperature, takes about 6 months - it is difficult to switch directly from a hormonal to a natural method. Consider how you want to prevent pregnancy while you are learning. Learning to determine when you are fertile takes time and patience ..... the Cycle Beads are a great way to start. I have worked with many women who become pregnant in the first few months of learning/using a natural method. You can start observing signs and charting any time as long as you know the first day of your last period ........ but actually using the method, I can't emphasize this enough, takes time. Might you consider the CycleBeads? You are asking great questions! Do you feel any changes not using the Nuva Ring?

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

double post, alas!

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

double post, alas!

 

[Momtana]

FAM technique questions

double post, alas!

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Hi Laura,
I was assuming this would take time and thats why I want to get started as soon as I can.
I would like to know more about the beads. I think you posted a website earlier and I will take a look again at you other post.
I have noticed a slight diff since I stoped the Ring. I have an increase in libido and an increase in sensation. <img src="">
My cervix is in the mid range tonight and open slightly but I dont notice any change in the fluid. I have tenderness in my breast so I am assuming I will be starting my period soon. So I will start charting then. That way I have time to go get the thermometer too. I cant explain how exciting this is to notice these changes.
I am so excited and I keep updating my hubby on my cervical changes and he looks at me like Im an alien. LOL! I am assuming from his reaction to this bit of news that he will be the type of man that wont like the labor delivery part either!! LOL. And he is a paramedic!!! Go figure LOL!!
I am also assuming that he will take the temp for me so he will be involved in the FAM too but not the rest. I keep telling him that if anything that its seems that he would like the checking of the cervix part too and he just smiles sheepishly! Men are so funny.
So anyways TMI I know but I am so excited. Please tell me more about the beads. Thanks

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Hi Laura,
I was assuming this would take time and thats why I want to get started as soon as I can.
I would like to know more about the beads. I think you posted a website earlier and I will take a look again at you other post.
I have noticed a slight diff since I stoped the Ring. I have an increase in libido and an increase in sensation. <img src="">
My cervix is in the mid range tonight and open slightly but I dont notice any change in the fluid. I have tenderness in my breast so I am assuming I will be starting my period soon. So I will start charting then. That way I have time to go get the thermometer too. I cant explain how exciting this is to notice these changes.
I am so excited and I keep updating my hubby on my cervical changes and he looks at me like Im an alien. LOL! I am assuming from his reaction to this bit of news that he will be the type of man that wont like the labor delivery part either!! LOL. And he is a paramedic!!! Go figure LOL!!
I am also assuming that he will take the temp for me so he will be involved in the FAM too but not the rest. I keep telling him that if anything that its seems that he would like the checking of the cervix part too and he just smiles sheepishly! Men are so funny.
So anyways TMI I know but I am so excited. Please tell me more about the beads. Thanks

 

[my65roses4me]

FAM technique questions

Hi Laura,
I was assuming this would take time and thats why I want to get started as soon as I can.
I would like to know more about the beads. I think you posted a website earlier and I will take a look again at you other post.
I have noticed a slight diff since I stoped the Ring. I have an increase in libido and an increase in sensation. <img src="">
My cervix is in the mid range tonight and open slightly but I dont notice any change in the fluid. I have tenderness in my breast so I am assuming I will be starting my period soon. So I will start charting then. That way I have time to go get the thermometer too. I cant explain how exciting this is to notice these changes.
I am so excited and I keep updating my hubby on my cervical changes and he looks at me like Im an alien. LOL! I am assuming from his reaction to this bit of news that he will be the type of man that wont like the labor delivery part either!! LOL. And he is a paramedic!!! Go figure LOL!!
I am also assuming that he will take the temp for me so he will be involved in the FAM too but not the rest. I keep telling him that if anything that its seems that he would like the checking of the cervix part too and he just smiles sheepishly! Men are so funny.
So anyways TMI I know but I am so excited. Please tell me more about the beads. Thanks

 

[Jem]

FAM technique questions

Hi Khristina--

My husband and I use Natural Family Planning (Sympto-Thermal Method). It is an easy method to learn and highly effective because you are not just relying on one sign but multiple ones that your body gives you when it prepares monthly for the possibility of pregnancy.

The best way to learn NFP is from a qualified instructor - that is, one who is certified from a NFP teacher education program. One such organizaton that could give you information about NFP instruction available in your community is The Couple to Couple League.

Phone - (513) 471-2000 nationally
or visit their website at: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.ccli.org">Couple to Couple league---Natural Family Planning</a>www.ccli.org

Best wishes to you and your future family plans...have fun trying!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">