NFP after birth

ring_pop · May 2011

At my last doctor's appointment, the nurse asked me what I was planning to do for birth control after the baby is born. I was caught off guard and muttered something about charting.

She said, "That's not good enough." She suggested condoms.

Please enlighten me... how do you do NFP post partum?

I'll admit, I was about halfway through TCOYF when I got pregnant (NOT because it didn't work!) and stopped reading after that. I'll go look it up of course but thought you ladies might have some info too.

agapecarrie · May 2011

THis is something that can't be taught and learned over internet posting. After baby can be difficult, depending. I highly recommend getting a teacher.

catarntina · May 2011

TCOYF had a an appendix on this. Since you already have the book, definitely read it.

It seemed to be basically the same. You chart CM, abstain if you see it, and track temperatures for biphasic patterns. The difference is because you may or may not ovulate when you do see CM. If you're breastfeeding, it can take especially long. So you might see CM, but ovulation does not necessarily occur (like your body is trying, it just can't quite cross the threshold).

Did you happen to take the CCL class? They do a post-partum version if you're a member. You might be able to find a CCL class in your area for post partum.

Also, it drives me bonkers when people suggest using condoms. I know SIX people who have gotten pregnant while using condoms... Condoms don't work.

Meg1036 · May 2011

I have no idea, but I have definitely heard (from reputable sources) that the bodily signs can change quite a bit, especially while you're breastfeeding (when you may or may not ovulate, and which is not a fool-proof birth control method). I actually know a (Catholic) couple who ordinarily did NFP, but used some other (no idea which) method of birth control while she was breastfeeding, due to really confusing signals form her body.

Good luck, and please come back with whatever you learn!

caitriona87 · May 2011

CCL has a book & class specifically for postpartum that, yes, is essentially the same idea but there are different patterns to look for. Taking a class would probably be best.

It also does depend on whether you breastfeed or not....With BF'ing some women get many months of amennorhea and/or infertility. Not BF'ing, most women return to regular cycles between 6-10 weeks after birth or so.

There is a specific method of postpartum NFP that is very simple, but not everyone qualifies, called LAM (lactational amennorhea method.) The requirements are 1) exclusive breastfeeding, no pumping/supplementation 2) baby under 6 months of age and 3) no bleeding after the 56th day post-childbirth. If you meet all three of those requirements, your chances of conceiving are ~2%, so comparable to regular NFP methods.

Otherwise, I have heard good things about the Marquette method for postpartum, because the monitor tells you very straightforwardly whether you're fertile or not.

Hope that helps.

doctabroccoli · May 2011

There's a catarntina behbeh now? Congrats!!!!

Calypso1977 · May 2011

yes, TCOYF does have a section on postpartum, but it appears from what i read (briefly, since it doesnt apply to me yet) that it can be alot more difficult. it looks like if you exclusively breastfeed, from the breast, it cane be straighforward. but if you try to do breast and bottle or breast with pump, it is harder. apparently if you pump the nipple stimulation isnt as great or its different? so because of that, it can throw your signs off.

im assuming this comment:
She said, "That's not good enough." She suggested condoms.

you would get if you told her you were charting to avoid as your sole method of BC even before getting pregnant. as we've discussed on here before, many medical pros dont understand charting and think it is ineffective as a means of avoiding pregnancy.

catarntina · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_nfp-after-birth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:567aacec-4dc6-459f-9b64-790f86544a0bPost:dffed8e9-cb47-4f3d-b45f-f2054cc086fe">Re: NFP after birth</a>:
[QUOTE]There's a catarntina behbeh now? Congrats!!!!
Posted by doctabroccoli[/QUOTE]

Thanks :D I just found out on Sunday. I'm really hoping for a sticky baby, but they've got me labeled as "Abortion Threatened" (such a terrible term. Should be "miscarriage threatened") due to low progesterone levels and short luteal phase from my previous 10 cycles. Thank goodness for NFP. If I hadn't shown them my previous 10 charts, they probably wouldn't have checked my progesterone levels.

doctabroccoli · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_nfp-after-birth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:567aacec-4dc6-459f-9b64-790f86544a0bPost:f2aa3ddd-e146-4b6a-85bd-566312849d38">Re: NFP after birth</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: NFP after birth : Thanks :D I just found out on Sunday. I'm really hoping for a sticky baby, but they've got me labeled as "Abortion Threatened" (such a terrible term. Should be "miscarriage threatened") due to low progesterone levels and short luteal phase from my previous 10 cycles. Thank goodness for NFP. If I hadn't shown them my previous 10 charts, they probably wouldn't have checked my progesterone levels.
Posted by catarntina[/QUOTE]

Well T&Ps then for a sticky baby!!!!!! Do they give you any kind of meds to help with the progesterone levels?

[Deleted User] · May 2011

Congrats catarantina! I will keep you an the little one in my T&P!

Riss91 · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_nfp-after-birth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:567aacec-4dc6-459f-9b64-790f86544a0bPost:49228873-29ca-4212-83ff-8821091a86b0">Re: NFP after birth</a>:
[QUOTE]Congrats catarantina! I will keep you an the little one in my T&P!
Posted by MissySue20[/QUOTE]

ditto!! stick stick stick little one!

newlyseliski · May 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_nfp-after-birth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:567aacec-4dc6-459f-9b64-790f86544a0bPost:49228873-29ca-4212-83ff-8821091a86b0">Re: NFP after birth</a>:
[QUOTE]Congrats catarantina! I will keep you an the little one in my T&P!
Posted by MissySue20[/QUOTE]

ditto #2 to this :) many many prayers for you and the cute little poppy seed baby ;-)

GulfCoaster · May 2011

I have heard from my friends who have given birth that NFP can be very confusing postpartum due to all the hormonal changes... Although TCOYF has an appendix, I'd suggest taking a class (CCLI or Creighton) so that you'll have someone to review your charts for any confusion.

So exciting that you're already 29 weeks!

And congratulations to catartnina!

Mrs.B6302007 · May 2011

Hi Ring Pop! Long time no see. =-)

I'm currently nursing and still waiting for PPAF to show. Now, I know for a fact that my cycles won't return until I'm done because I'm taking domperidone to help w/ my supply and it suppresses ovulation.

PP charting is not easy and I will ditto whoever suggested a teacher/class in addition to using the book. I'm currently enrolled in an online class myself (PM/page me over on E if you want specifics) because once I'm done with nursing next month, I want to be prepared for my cycles to return.

That being said, BF itself *can* be an effective BC (LAM) (I believe I read on average for 6 months?) if you tend to be more of an AP style mom (nursing on demand, co sleeping, etc) because nursing around the clock can suppress ovulation. Once the feeding sessions start spacing out a bit more and aren't as frequent, the body can start to get the message to begin to ovulate again.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread - someone mentioned this thread to me and asked if I would be able to chime in with any info. =-)

Calypso1977 · May 2011

i just came here to get the link, but youd found it! :-)

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