Hey all,
So I know I said I wouldn't write about this again since some people probably find this a squeamish topic and would rather not read about it, but then I figured if you don't want to read about it you don't have to! Pretty simple logic, right? :) Plus, I'm a very open gal who'll talk about anything and really couldn't resist! Anyways, I just wanted to give everyone an update about my whole preparing-not-to-have-a-baby-just-yet process and the things I've learned along the way. I figured I could share what I have learned and perhaps get some more advice since I'm still pretty new to this whole thing!
So since the last time, I have decided to go with natural family planning (NFP from here on out). I had tried the pill for a month for a few reasons. 1) I get AWFUL cramps that require me to take between 1000-2500mg of painkillers every 3-4 hours for the first 48 hours to combat. 2) I get uber moody. Sorry Graym! 3) I still deal with pretty bad monthly period-related acne and figured it couldn't hurt to try to clear that up along with the other benefits. Well, that didn't go so well. The pill made my cramps worse, I had headaches every day the entire month, and I broke out like crazy. Plus, I often forgot to take the pill at the same time every morning and don't think it would be a very effective option for me (heellloooooo honeymoon baby!). I could've tried the NuvaRing afterwards, but considering that thing was big enough to fit around my wrist and my previous attempt didn't go so well, I decided to try out the natural approach and settled on NFP.
So far, the process has been great. I really love that NFP isn't just about not getting pregnant, but learning how your body works. As a woman, I feel like it is my right to know how my body works and understand it's signs. It's a great birth control method but also a way to track your hormones and physical changes, which can ultimately help you realize when something is amiss.
The first month was a little tough. I often forgot to take my temperature right away and didn't really know what I was looking at. But three months in to it I have finally been able to determine at the beginning of the month when I should ovulate and start my cycle. These last two, I have been right on the money! It's really neat that I can estimate that and see how my bodily changes reflect that. I'm still struggling with the recognizing the changes my body goes through right before ovulating, but hopefully these next two month will proves fruitful.
My only regret in this whole process is that I wish I started sooner! I only have one cycle left before the wedding since I'll be starting the second one about four days in to the honeymoon (sucks, right? We tried to plan the wedding around it but when a gal has a 35 day cycle that doesn't fall on the same day every month, it proves tricky! I obviously failed hahaha). I think another couple of months would be great to get things totally figured out, but I'll go with what I know now and Graym and I have already decided to be extra cautious these first few months of marriage. Yes, we want babies, but not yet!!
I wanted to close by saying thanks for all the wonderful advice that you all gave me through my first update and via emails. I really appreciated it and it's great to know that there are so many women out there who actually use this method! Sadly, it's not publicized as an effective alternative to hormonal methods as much as I'd like, though it's benefits far out weigh the time it takes to take your temp in the morning and keep track of your other bodily changes. Please feel free to continue share any tips or give more advice! They are definitely welcome and though I do have a few questions I'll refrain from asking here since I think that might be a little too much for a public blog ;)
I hope this wasn't too squemish for ya'll this time!
Love, Sash
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