Birth Control - Monmouth, OR

We used the "natural" birth control for 1 1/2 yrs. Obstaining from sex during the dangerous area a couple days before and after ovulation. This worked great until my always very regular ovulation was delayed 2 weeks. Yes needless to say we are 4 months pregnant with our 3rd child. So unless you are not totally against having another child I wouldn't recommend "Natural".

My husband and I have used the Billings Method (mucus evaluation) very successfully for almost four years, now. It is a little bit demanding and does require commitment from both partners. We deviate from the recommendations, in that we do use condoms during fertile times. I have found it very workable, though--I really didn't want to use any hormonal birth controls! We do recognize that there is a degree of "risk" involved, but we both feel that even if we were to have a "surprize," an unexpected child would still always be a blessing from God. There is a very informative book called, "The Billings Method" by Evelyn Billings and Ann Westmore. It provides pretty much all the information you would need to get started.

I think Natural birth control works - but I also know a least 3 babies born out of it. You have to be very disciplined and recommend you use a condom if ever within the time frame.

Here is a link to the bible on this.
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Achiev...

You might be interested in a product sold by cyclebeads.com. less than $20. but you have to have a menstrual cycle 26 to 32 days long. It's very simple but helps you keep track of your cycle so you know which days you are in the danger zone and which days you do not have to worry about getting pregnant. We used this to help us know when to use birth control and when we did not need to bother. Basically 12 days out of the month I used a diaphragm.

Hey L. - I don't take birth control. After I had my first baby my cycle has been 28 days on the button, and I can tell by my discharge when I'm ovulating. These things make it easy for us, and I know that women who aren't as regular or don't have the obvious signs have a harder time. For the first 10-12 days after my period we don't use anything, and then from the time I think I'm ovulating until my period we use a condom. We've never had an "oops".

Blessings on your journey!

Hi Lynette-

I've never tried natural birth control methods, but know people who have used the Rhythm Method for birth control. You can google it and probably get info on it. Basically you figure out your cycle and guess which days your ovulate and abstain or use protection on those days. I've used it in reverse.... when I wanted to get pregnant. Although......I do know two people who have used this method and ended up with a surprise pregnancy. Good Luck! :-)

About me:
I'm a stay at home mom to two wee ones. One is 28 month and the other is 6 months. :-)

Most of the responses to this point are pretty good. I agree with talking with your OB/GYN. I also didn't like the idea of the pill, IUD, or implant. I learned my cycle and just used a diaphram during the "unsafe" times. My husband didn't want any more kids so he got pretty good at knowing when it was "safe". If it was an "unsafe" time he would pull out if I didn't have the diaphram in. (Yes, it got pretty messy. But to him messy was better than baby.) This worked for 6 years until "Oops" he miss calculated and didn't pull out. I got pregnant that one time.

I gave up the pill long ago and will not go back. I am pregnant for my fourth child which is very welcomed. When I do decide to use birth control, it will be the Family Planning Method. I know many women it has worked for and are still using it years later. In this society that promotes organic methods, I am not sure why it's not used more. It takes time and education. But well worth it. I say go for it!

I highly recommend the book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. I and several of my friends have used it very successfully to get pregnant, and at least half the book is dedicated to the natural birth control method. It's a fascinating book.

We used natural family planning and it worked for us. Not only did it help us space our children but being aware of my cycles helped us to get pregnant right away when we were ready. You can use a diaphram or condoms on the days in your cycle when you could get pregnant, rather than abstaining during that time.

There is a diaphram, there are contraceptive foams and sponges and your husband could use condoms. Yes there is 'natural birth control', watching your temperature, vaginal discharges... but it's subject to change as your life changes. Talk with your ob/gyn about your options. You have a very busy life with a 6 mo old and wanting the spacing of 2 yrs is a good thing, gives you a chance to regroup/recharge your batteries.

I wish you well. Enjoy all the moments with your baby boy. You have much to look forward to, lots of love and laughter.

Hey, I'm right there with you! I've never been on any type of birth control except for natural family planning. I think it is the best option for us married moms or anyone very responsible. It's easy to do and a great way to be in-tune with your body. Charting will be the best way to get going and so I second (or third) the book, "Taking Charge of Your Fertility".