Empowering Women: Understanding Natural Family Planning and Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

     Hey  Friends, I am Shawanna, a black birth worker in South Jersey. I am the founder of Born From A Lotus Doula Services and the host of the Spiritual Millennial Mama Podcast. Welcome to our blog, where we celebrate the power and beauty of women's reproductive health. In this post, we will explore the concept of natural family planning and delve into the importance of tracking your menstrual cycle. As a black doula, I am passionate about empowering women to reclaim their reproductive health by understanding and honoring their bodies. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

What is Natural Family Planning?

Natural family planning is a holistic approach to contraception and conception that relies on understanding your menstrual cycle. Unlike artificial contraceptive methods, it embraces the natural rhythms of your body and empowers you to make informed choices about your reproductive health. By tracking changes in your body throughout the month, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other signs, you can identify your fertile and non-fertile days accurately.

The Importance of Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

 Knowledge and Empowerment:

Tracking your menstrual cycle provides you with valuable knowledge about your body and its unique patterns. It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your hormones, the length of your cycle, and the timing of ovulation. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions regarding conception or contraception.

Natural and Hormone-Free:

For those seeking non-hormonal birth control options, natural family planning is a safe and effective method when used correctly. It eliminates the need for artificial hormones or devices, allowing you to embrace a more natural approach to your reproductive health.

Fertility and Family Planning:

If you're trying to conceive, tracking your menstrual cycle maximizes your chances of getting pregnant. By identifying your fertile days, you can align your intentions with your body's natural rhythms and increase the likelihood of successful conception.

Embracing Your Menstrual Cycle

Holistic Well-being:

Tracking your menstrual cycle goes beyond contraceptive or conception purposes. It fosters a holistic approach to your well-being by encouraging you to tune into your body's messages. From managing stress to adopting a balanced diet and self-care practices, it opens the door to nurturing your body, mind, and soul.

Communication and Connection:

Involving your partner in tracking your cycle creates an opportunity for shared decision-making and a deeper understanding of one another. By embracing your menstrual cycle together, you can foster open communication, strengthen your bond, and embark on a journey of mutual support.

How to track your cycle

Step 1: Start with a Menstrual Calendar or App

To begin tracking your menstrual cycle, you can use a traditional menstrual calendar or opt for a convenient smartphone app. These tools help you keep a record of the start and end dates of your period, making it easier to identify patterns and anticipate your next cycle.

Step 2: Note Your Flow and Duration

Each day of your cycle, make a simple entry in your calendar or app to record the intensity of your flow. Note if it is light, moderate, or heavy, and how many days your period lasts. This information provides valuable insights into the changes your body goes through during your cycle.

Step 3: Observe Changes in Cervical Mucus

As you move through your cycle, pay attention to changes in your cervical mucus. Around ovulation, the mucus may become thinner, clearer, and stretchy, resembling the consistency of egg whites. By noting these changes, you can better understand your fertile window and plan accordingly.

Step 4: Track Physical and Emotional Symptoms

Throughout your cycle, your body may experience various physical and emotional symptoms. Keep track of any changes or discomfort you notice, such as breast tenderness, bloating, cramps, mood swings, or changes in energy levels. This data helps you recognize patterns and take proactive steps to manage symptoms.

Step 5:Utilize Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Another method of tracking your menstrual cycle involves measuring your basal body temperature (BBT). Using a special thermometer, take your temperature each morning before getting out of bed. A slight rise in temperature indicates that ovulation has occurred. This information can assist in identifying your fertile days.

Step 6: Reflect and Understand Your Cycle

By consistently tracking your menstrual cycle, you gain a deeper understanding of your body's unique rhythm. Over time, you'll notice patterns, such as the average length of your cycle and the timing of ovulation. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about family planning or managing your reproductive health.

Here are five popular menstrual tracking apps that you can consider:

1. Clue - Period Tracker

   - Available on iOS, Android

   - Features: Accurate period predictions, tracking of symptoms, mood, and energy levels, reminders, personalized insights, and educational resources.

2. Flo Period Tracker

   - Available on iOS, Android

   - Features: Menstrual cycle and ovulation tracking, symptom and mood tracking, personalized health insights, pregnancy planning, and community support.

3. Glow - Ovulation and Period Tracker

   - Available on iOS, Android

   - Features: Cycle tracking, ovulation predictions, fertility window alerts, symptom tracking, personalized insights, and a supportive community.

4. Period Tracker by Planned Parenthood

   - Available on iOS, Android

   - Features: Menstrual cycle tracking, symptom tracking, reminders for birth control pills, appointment reminders, and access to educational resources from Planned Parenthood.

5. Ovia Fertility & Cycle Tracker

   - Available on iOS, Android

   - Features: Cycle and fertility tracking, ovulation predictions, symptom tracking, customizable reminders, data analysis, and access to educational articles and expert tips.

Remember to explore these apps, read user reviews, and consider which features align with your needs and preferences. Each app has its own unique interface and additional features, so find the one that resonates with you and supports your journey of understanding and tracking your menstrual cycle.

Embracing natural family planning and tracking your menstrual cycle is a powerful way to honor your body, reclaim your reproductive health, and make informed decisions. It empowers you to understand and celebrate the unique beauty of your cyclical nature. Remember, as black women, it is crucial for us to reclaim our reproductive health and promote knowledge and self-care within our communities.

By educating ourselves, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, and using resources like books and online courses, we can embark on this empowering journey of understanding our bodies and embracing our menstrual cycles.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support regarding natural family planning and tracking your menstrual cycle.

Sources:

1. American Pregnancy Association - "Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle": https://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/understanding-your-menstrual-cycle/

2. Mayo Clinic - "Fertility Awareness Method": https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/fertility-awareness-method/about/pac-20369024

3. Planned Parenthood - "Fertility Awareness": https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness

4. Association of Fertility Awareness Professionals (AFAP) - "What is Fertility Awareness?": https://www.fertilityawarenessprofessionals.com/what-is-fertility-awareness/

5. "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler (Book)

6. "The Garden of Fertility" by Katie Singer (Book)

Remember, empowering ourselves with knowledge and understanding our bodies is an ongoing journey, and these resources can serve as valuable tools along the way.