Please tell me how to successfully use NFP.

[jamie714]

Thank you. We do want more. Now is just not a good time. We recently lost our home due to medical expenses and my husband loosing his job. With this and hearing of some of the failures I think we are going to go with an IUD for now. I also don't like the idea of hindering intamacy too much. With DH new job he works 50 hours a week as well as full time school. So lately things have been few and far between simply due to exhaustion. I would hate to have to tell him no, it's not a good time. I hadn't thought of that part before now. After next one though, assuming next one comes after DH finishes school we are going to use NFP. I order taking charge of your fertility off amazon. Will save it for next time.

[Aingeru]

I wouldn't rely on just counting days, first you need to know when you ovulate. Even if you're regular, you could be ovulating at some odd time of the month. We've used NFP / FAM successfully since 2005. No surprise pregnancies. We use basal temperature, and that's how I knew I was ovulating on day 19, not 14. After DS was born my cycles changed, became shorter and now I ovulate on day 12-13.

Originally Posted by dragonfly263544 Also, with NFP/FAM you really should chart a few cycles to get a baseline pattern before you start relying on it for BC. Its also REALLY important to follow ALL of the rules EXACTLY.

Agree 100% Like I said our method is supposed to be more effective than the BC pill if used correctly, this is what we use: http://www.ladycomputer.com/ladycomp_en.htm (pricey but does all the work for you)

[CharlottesMom09]

An IUD is probably your safest bet, but I wanted to add that NFP doesn't really take that much thought once you get into the routine of it. I just popped the thermometer in my mouth when my alarm went off, and recorded the temperature on fertility friend once I was awake enough to think about it. Checked cervical position/fluid when I went to the bathroom, and that was really all the work involved. We avoided or used spermicide during fertile times, and it worked really well. I felt like I understood my body, and when we wanted to try for a second baby, we got pregnant the very first cycle. Taking Charge of Your Fertility is an awesome read, even if you aren't planning on using NFP any time soon though. I learned SO much!

[tibeca]

I just want to STRONGLY advise that an IUD isn't fool proof. I have 1 good friend and several acquaintances that have gotten pregnant using an IUD (some paraguard, some mirena). They aren't perfect. The more I think about it personally, they only way to be sure is abstinence during your fertile period. Only you can decide how much you are willing to risk and how devastated you might be if you had an OOPs.

[jamie714]

Thank you all. I did get an IUD. Wow, way more of a procedure than I expected. I know nothing is 100% other than abstinence. We would in no way be devastate by an oops. We want more just really should wait a while before the next one. We believe all children are a blessing even if the circumstances are not ideal. I decided that NFP would not be the best for our relationship at this point because of his crazy busy schedule and being overly exhausted most of the time. If I started limiting days of possibilities we would probably end up being more like roommates than a married couple. That and having another baby are just a few of the things that we hope goes back to normal once he is out of school and only working.

[4mes]

The sympto thermal method of NFP is 99% effective if used properly (completely following the rules, and not taking risks).

If one wants to use this method I really suggest taking a class and learning it vs. trying to learn it on your own. This way you can ask questions, and have the teacher help interpret your charts as you go along if you need help. Also, taking the class allows you to even contact the teaching couple indefinitely with any questions.

DH and I used ecological breastfeeding (also taught in class) to space our children for 12 years. We had five dc who are all 2.5 yrs. apart (give or take a month). We had no surprise pregnancies in that time. We are now postponing having more dc due to my health, and have used the sympto thermal method of NFP for a year and a half with no pregnancy scares at all. We abstain 10 days on average per cycle.

NFP does work, but you have to be committed to completely following the rules in order for it to be effective.

[AJM*mom]

I just wanted to add that Fertility Friend is wonderful for charting cycles!!! Even if not using it for birth control, it's great tool to use in order to know when AF is coming

[4mes]

Double post.

[pastdiapers]

You could look into a stricter form of Brfeeding called ecological breastfeeding - 75% of women doing this will go 9-20 months w/o cycles. Exclusive BFeed moms usually have fertility back by 6 months. You can be looking for a mucus discharge or spotting to appear (vaginal) + then start taking a daily temperature to track fertile days; there is about a 6-day window of fertility and it'll take a couple of cycles to learn. We used it for over 20 years - no surprises but we abstained when needed and did not use condoms or withdrawal. NFPInternational has an online course and you can print free charts

[mommypockets]

Read the book "Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing." Yup on the ecological breastfeeding.