What do you do for protection ?

I use clue to track my cycle and check my underwear constantly when going to the restroom need to know your body and check for the signs for fertility

Good idea! I think I'll abstain untill I can figure my body out more I dunno if I'm one of those irregular pattern people tho

You can take your temp etc as well. There is an app called natural cycles that is great for it

If you’re really trying to avoid conceiving I’d recommend you get connected with a natural family planning (NFP) instructor who can teach you how to use a method that works for you. There are many reliable methods (Creighton, Marquette, etc.) but you need to learn how to use them correctly. There are many instructors who can work virtually too. It’s not usually very expensive and worth the investment (and cheaper than another baby!)

Don’t use an app to track your ovulation, they’re soo inaccurate

NFP with an instructor. Ypu need to be using an instructor for it to be effective. I use Billings method. There's a few methods, easily found online. NFP is Church approved.

Wouldn't nfp just be exactly the same as an app ? U bung in the dates when you had your period when it stopped etc I don't see the difference

@Cheyenne what's an instructor??

@N 💞 they’re a lot more accurate if you input data on your BBT and CM, they’re just not very accurate if you rely on putting in your period dates and letting them assume when you’re going to ovulate

@Alice you need to keep track of more than when your period arrives. You also track things like your basal body temperature and consistency of your cervical mucus.

@Sophie that’s why I said don’t rely on an app. Tracking body temp etc is more than just relying on an app.

@N 💞 ah, I misunderstood you, it just sounded like you were disagreeing with the earlier commenters whereas they were all talking about using an app properly

This is such a helpful thread!! Do these techniques work while breastfeeding when you don’t have a normal cycle? That’s what I’m most concerned about is getting pregnant before my period comes back 🫣

@Shannon I used the Marquette method while breastfeeding! We successfully avoided until we were ready to try for our second. And I used it to conceive because I’m still breastfeeding my 19m old 😅

@Julia I’ve heard of this! I have a ton of LH strips so that’ll be handy, I’ll definitely try to learn more about this method before our 6 weeks is up though. Thanks for the suggestion!

@Alice someone who is certified in the method they are teaching. Like an official billings instructor is registered with Billings, or a Billing NFP org. Same with Marquette, they have medical background and are certified to teach, and will help check your chart and have follow ups with you to stay on top of things

We started out using the Symtpo Thermal Method and now we use Creighton. I would suggest looking into getting an NFP instructor.

@Alice No not at all. The apps are licit to use but are not nearly as accurate. NFP requires learning a method with an instructor and most methods have a typical use rate close to hormonal birth control pills. I would suggest investing in a tempdrop and taking Couple to Couple leagues online course to get started.

@Shannon yes all methods have a postpartum protocol. Some call for more abstinence than others.