| Dear friend, Summertime, wonderful as it is, can often come with some challenges, including trickiness with charting during disrupted routines, and prying questions from family members at barbecues about “when y’all are going to be done” (as if decisions about family planning can be answered with the same language we use to describe the burgers on the grill!). Of course, it’s not news to our readers who practice natural family planning (NFP) and fertility awareness that it’s a lifestyle that comes with challenges. But in two new pieces this week, we’re addressing a few of them that might be especially prominent during this season. First up, we have LCPC Julia Hogan Werner offering professional advice on setting boundaries with critical family members, co-workers, friends, doctors—and everyone else in between—when it comes to questions about fertility, family planning, parenting, and more. Second, we have Boston Cross Check method instructor Christina Valenzuela with her tips and advice on navigating the changes to charting that often occur during the summertime, due to the heat, disrupted routines and travel (and if you’ve ever wondered how to adjust the timing of hormone monitoring on a trip from Boston to Mumbai, don’t worry, she’s got you covered). As always, you can find links to these articles, below. And also be sure to check out our “Natural Womanhood in the News” feature, for all of our latest media appearances. Wishing you all the best, Grace Emily Stark Editor Natural Womanhood |
| Tired of the critical comments about your NFP use and pregnancy or parenting choices? Boundaries can help Unfortunately, because people have strong opinions about NFP, pregnancy, childbirth, infertility, and parenting, the comments aren’t likely to stop anytime soon. However, you have a powerful tool at your disposal: boundaries. Communicating and enforcing a boundary can be your best friend in situations like these. Boundaries can help you let others know how you are affected by their comments and give you an escape route. Click here to read the full article. |
| Late nights, and travel, and blazing heat, Oh my! Navigating cycle charting challenges during the summertime The final month of summer is upon us! And with it comes heat, travel, and disturbed schedules: how might all of this impact our Natural Family Planning (NFP) or Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) cycle charting? Here are a few tips I’ve come up with as a fertility awareness instructor for decreasing charting disturbances during the hot summer months, and navigating vacations or other travel plans with your chosen fertility biomarkers. Click here to read the full article. |