Nursing and Natural Family Planning

First I want to say way to go!! Both Breastfeeding and NFP are great for you, your child, and your marriage!!
If you are exclusivly BFing it is unlikly that your fertility will return before 6 months post partum...but it does happen. There are more reliable ways to chart your fertility that the "calender method". You can take you waking basil body temp and check for cervical mucus. When NFP is used properly it is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Check out this web site for more info. nfpandmore.org
Good Luck and Many Blessings, K.

From my experience, I did both the charting of my cycles, and used condoms. I nursed my daughter until she was 15 months, and i started my cycle when she was about 4 months. I did nurse exclusivly, so when they say around 6 months before your cycle starts, that's just a number, and not the rule. I have the book, Natural Family Planning, I believe Toni Wescott is the author, and she does explain how to chart all changes within your body to know when you are ovulating.

During the first few months, until my cycle was back, we used condoms, just to add to that barrier. After that time, my cycle was easily charted, and we were able to plan when we wanted our next child. My daughter turned 2 in Feb, and I am expecting a son in August. it was planned that way as well.

good luck

Hi C.,
I just want to say, good for you! I am so pleased to hear other moms making this choice too and don't let anyone talk you into something you don't want to do! I also choose to not use hormones and try to stay as natural as possible so I follow NFP and extended breastfeeding.

My favorite website is www.ccli.org They have a wonderful book called "The Art of Natural Family Planning® Postpartum Guide" It covers everything you need for this time.

Good Luck and Congrats on your newest little bundle :)
K.
SAHM of 4

Are you opposed to using condoms? I didn't want to use any type of hormonal bc while I was nursing my daughter. Condoms, when used properly, are an effective form of bc and made me worry less about trying to keep track of what my body may or may not be doing while I was nursing. For breastfeeding to be an effective form of bc you basically have to nurse round the clock day after day. And that goes out the window if baby decides they'd like to start sleeping at night longer stretches.

Do some research on hubby getting a vasectomy. There are fewer complications for men doing this than women tying tubes. My hubby did it 25 years ago and he has not had one issue. If you are sure you are done having kids it's a great way to go.

I would recommend asking your OB/GYN to see what non-hormonal options are available. Most products (including popular IUDs) use a hormonal basis, so if that is your reason for discontinuing what you've previously used, I'd find out what other options are FDA approved, what the risks/benefits are.

Also, I'd make sure to fully understand when you ovulate each month. The 28 cycle with ovulation the middle three days is an average, but it's certainly not a guarantee. Each person's cycle is different, and different influences in our lives such as stress, etc. will have an affect on that timing.

Good luck.

from my undestanding you are fine as long as you are completely full fledge breastfeeding. You shouldn't need to worrry till your period shows up. I think thats 6 months to year everyones different. I would just follow the method you did before concieving.

Hi C.,
here is my answer.First of all I don't trust at all to the natural birth prevention,because I tried to use that before i start with anything lse but didn't work for me!I have my two children! :)))
Im not ready for more so two months ago i had an IUD and i love it!I dont know why u don't like it but works fine for me,I had the non hormon one,my periods are regular,u can;t fell it and helpping u not gat pregnant!
So honney if ur not ready for another one please be carefull with natural birth control :)

Good luck ..