NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL | Fertility Awareness + How I Track My Cycle

[@talita.novais]

Meghan, I loved this video. Some years ago I decided stopping the pill and started understanding my menstrual cycle too. I started paying attention to my body and this was very important to me. Then I planned to get pregnant and everything got right! My baby will born next month! I think everything gets easear when we understand and respect our body. Congrats for your channel! PS: I’m from Brazil and my English is a work in progress.. sorry for some mistakes.

[@nightowlgaming4600]

I learnt more in this video that I did at school, thanks for this! Never thought talking about 'the period' could be so interesting :D

[@mrotz9340]

Your so pretty with your curly hair!! Definitely a good choice to go natural than using heat always that can damage the hair more.🤗

[@ruthacuna4385]

Thank you, as females it is so important that we understand our bodies. Loved the fertility awareness info!

[@happyhormonesummit9418]

Fertility Awareness has totally changed my life! Thank you for saying it’s NOT the rhythm method.

[@nicola6234]

Yes! So much misinformation out there, it's so frustrating

[@mom23plus1]

We have been able to successfully track our fertility for the last 25 years using mucous observations. Our (4) children were all intended. Preventing pregnancy without any other method (barrier or anything else) for the last 16 years because of the very high risk of rupture of the uterus. The new advances in technology are so great! Ladies, you can do this and it is so worthwhile!!

[@woolypuffin392]

Women are able to get pregnant at any time of the cycle. Its just less likely on some days. Please dont promote this method to young women. Condoms are the safest as they prevent AIDS too.

[@untetheredsoul]

@@woolypuffin392 Thank you for this comment. This video is terrifying. Are there not enough unwanted children in the world already? Let alone sexual diseases as you say. KZbin is getting downright scary, this is so irresponsible I'm actually shocked.

[@GinjahifyMe]

@@woolypuffin392 I don't think it is being stated that you should have sex without condoms. The way my natural birth control works is there are red and green days. Red means use a barrier method if you are going to have sex and green means you are not fertile. My husband and I always make the decision together and if one of us feels the slightest bit that we should use a condom on a green day, we always do. I track my cervical fluid, temperature, cervix position and I take LH strips to see if I am close to ovulation. It's been over a year and I've never had a scare. It has been the best thing for my body. I am someone who cannot use the pill, IUDs, etc. It is my only good option and has been great.

[@mom23plus1]

@@woolypuffin392 I am sorry but you are wrong. Listen to Megan's video. The egg is only viable for 24 hours. The window of opportunity is 8 days max.

[@mom23plus1]

@@untetheredsoul This is a method that works best in committed relationships. Diseases are spread when relationships are not/have not been committed. And condoms do a terrible job of preventing AIDS. At best they "reduce the risk". The amount of misinformation that exists is staggering.

[@madisonrenee1778]

This was great, thank you! Also, you were made for curly hair! You literally look like a princess. :)

[@meghanlivingstone]

Awww haha thank you so much!

[@jesstinamcfarland1115]

Oh my god THANK YOU!!!! There really is not enough good, comprehensive information out there about women’s health, fertility, cycle changes, etc. I truly appreciate that you put together such a well rounded video. It includes so much valuable information in a very easy to understand format. FINALLY!! ❤️ thank you!

[@carolinek1818]

I was on hormonal birth control for about 7 years. I used to become very anxious every time there was a stressful period in my life and I finally figured that this could be from my birth control. I've now been off of birth control for 1.5 years and I just finished writing my Master's thesis and I was not on the verge of a nervous breakdown like when writing my Bachelor's thesis. My partner really wants us to stop using condoms so I figured that I would try out the fertility awareness method. Even if I somehow get pregnant, it wouldn't really matter because we've been discussing about starting to try for a baby a year from now. Thanks for the information 👍

[@ted-3dotmov]

How is this going? My fiance and I want to use this method but are honestly a bit nervous to go for it. Has this worked well for you?

[@carolinek1818]

@@ted-3dotmov I have just used Glow to track my period and trusted it's forecast to track if condom is needed or not. I just forgot to take my temperature every morning so I gave that up. So far I haven't got pregnant but at the same time I'm not actively avoiding getting pregnant because we would totally be okay if I happened to get pregnant.

[@Ari-br3rd]

I recently learned the effects of birth control and I made the decision to stop taking the pill. I have decided to use the fertility awareness method and this was a GREAT video to start with! Thank you!

[@leahathome2883]

I have downloaded and uninstalled so many cycle tracking apps. I downloaded clue as soon as you mentioned it. It's the best one yet!

[@kierstenlian]

I just got off of the pill about 2 months ago and have been dealing with symptoms from it... I have been doing a lot of research on a more holistic way to track my cycle. Thanks so much for this video (:

[@averynmitchell]

Wow, I did not know our cervix changes angles throughout our cycle! That's so cool and surreal.

[@auxtas]

Glad to see a video like this. Thanks for this. I learned this method in a Catholic seminary under a class called "Sex and Marriage in Catholic Understanding." The class opened my eyes to the beauty of NFP and the billing method. Unfortunately, the only time a well-functioning hormone is shut down is in women's health under contraceptives and they still call it Healthcare. Most medical students are not thought this. We often talk about green energy but never green health when it comes to avoiding pregnancy. Also, the pharmaceutical industry doesn't talk about the terrible side effects of these pills. Many women are going through hell. And that lives the power to the man who cares less about his sexual discipline while the woman takes the burden of going on a pill. No woman wants to be on a pill. Why isn't society exposing this method to our girls from an early age?

[@jennasorenson2095]

I’m about to sue KZbin for these terrifying ads before the video. The hell.. it’s 10 pm and I’m home alone why you gotta do that.. 😭

[@le_kariuki2397]

One of the most informative videos I have watched on KZbin. You are amazing

[@jaimezuniga4702]

I have not used hormonal birth control since I was first married and I didn’t like the affects of it and got off it. I have had success just tracking things and being aware. By the way, I absolutely love your hair curly. It’s so very pretty.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Yeah, the side effects can be quite awful. And thank you so much!!

[@eloynalucero8234]

Love your curls😍😍😍😍😍

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hehe thank youuu!!

[@shiraziv3514]

First off, you curly hair is absolutely beautiful! And suits you so well! 😍 Second, this video is so helpful! This topic has been on my mind for a while now, and you made it so informative while still simple and easy to understand.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Thank you so much!! Hehe. And I'm happy you found this video helpful :) xx

[@aydenscully9479]

I wish they taught this in school. I honestly didn’t even know what a Vulva was until out of high school (doing my own research). Very very sad. Sex education needs to improve… in home and/or school.

[@evievella1494]

Thank you!! I just got off the pill and moved to the copper IUD! So no more synthetic hormones, and even though it’s not necessary I’m definitely going to start tracking my cycle! It’s so interesting to know what my own body is doing naturally and how to compliment it

[@StoriesForSlumberASMR]

I highly highly suggest not sticking with a copper IUD. Do the research asap.

[@vickapiano]

Thank you, i want to leave the pill behind this month, and this is very helpful.

[@samantha-janekatz1638]

Meghan is such a mom figure, so gentle lol. She totally gave me my first birds and bees talk via KZbin 😂

[@gracekinahan3202]

Absolutely amazing video. So full of information. Thank you. I wonder in your professional capacity could you do a video on pcos how to relieve symptoms and a pcos diet for fertility. Thanks again 😁👍

[@kellyhwu8346]

This was so so helpful! I've always wanted to learn about this as I'm discovering various methods of birth control that work best for me. You explained it all so well.

[@jamelwassig3599]

Thanks Meghan for sharing this wonderful video I came from a big family and I saw the hardships of my mother in giving birth so before I got married I attended seminars on natural Methods of family planning so when I Got married we used ovulation combined with withdrawal with the help of God it was very successful we had the number of children we wanted and even the gender Ladies follow her and learn about fertility awareness it's worth and great in life you will enjoy life with your hubby through your life Thanks and glory to God alone

[@elizabethd112]

I started taking the pill recently because I've never been pregnant and don't know if I'll ever be, which means I'm at higher risk for ovarian cancer because my ovaries have never stopped ovulating. Fortunately no side effects yet. Stopping ovulation for a couple years in your lifetime, either from pregnancies or birth control, helps prevent ovarian cancer because it gives your ovaries a break

[@tarynsymington8127]

Such a big topic right now, and so relevant. Thank you!!!

[@lalylaly27]

Very very helpful video but I'm confused about you calling them different "methods" because so far what i have been learning is that there are different "ways"(temp and/or mucus, etc) that are used in different "methods"(Sensiplan method, symptothermo method, etc) and since im new to this, I'm really trying to figure out which method is right for me.

[@heidigrovater2037]

Great video! Such important information! I wish we had these information resources when I was younger. Btw, after giving birth I had to restart learning about my cycle. It got all messed up and took a while to get balanced again, differently though.

[@mdhelaluddin2594]

Thank you so much for making this! I love it❤

[@melissavelasco5705]

Thank you for such a great review on the fertility awareness method! I'm using it to help achieve pregnancy, but I love that it can be used to prevent pregnancy or to better understand your body.

[@meghanlivingstone]

That's wonderful! xx

[@jacquelineowiso3157]

This is so much knowledge plus alot i did not know

[@tristinehull587]

Super curious on how you edited and made this video love it

[@TheWayOfWoman]

love your natural hair!

[@omecdazetlnjjjlt]

Thank you for sharing this 😁 I think it is so important for women to know about this and understand their health! While I may disagree with the use of barrier methods, I am very happy you made this video to educate women on healthy ways to take care of their fertility 🎉

[@PrinciTeshka7]

Thank you for such am informative video!🤗😃

[@emmacolleen]

fantastic information!! thank you so much!

[@terezap4486]

this video was very helpful for me Meghan, thank you :)

[@meowerz113]

I loved this video, I learned so much!

[@cristinamendez4292]

So informative! Thank you 😊

[@Angie-cm4si]

Just found your channel love 💖 the topics you talk about new subscriber from the UK

[@meghanlivingstone]

Happy to have you here! :D

[@hayleahhuskey7845]

I LOVE CLUE!!!

[@biancagouveia8589]

This was so helpful I didn’t know a lot of this info and is so important as a young teen

[@meghanlivingstone]

Glad you found this helpful! There's a lot to learn with Fertility Awareness so check out the resources that I linked and speak to your doctor/parents/Planned Parenthood/etc. if you have any questions. xx

[@vmorse1]

You are fabulous ❤❤❤ thank you for this video

[@elizabethb.820]

This video is so relevant for me right now! I am currently reading Taking Charge Of Your Fertility and loving it and learning so much. Thanks so much for sharing this info! I only wish I had known about this years ago.

[@hollymarie235]

Anyone have insight on tracking BBT if you work night shifts? Some days I wake up at 8AM or maybe earlier or later. However if I have to work night shift, I wake up in the afternoon. Will tracking my BBT upon waking be inaccurate?

[@euandreia]

Good video :) Your hair is beautiful

[@ana3cristina4]

Best topic! Thanks!

[@brittanyallen3193]

Thanks for this explication!

[@sierratoland4816]

Hey Meghan! Do you know of any resources similar to the Daysy tracker? after going through a doing research on the product I realized that they don't ship to Canada... I haven't found anything with a similar reputation and thought you may have an idea? Thanks in advance :)

[@camiluvya17]

Your hair! 🤗 I love it. It suits you really well

[@meghanlivingstone]

Thank you so so so much! :D xx

[@urban.n8v98]

So helpful!!

[@erikagrimm1217]

So much great info. I use a mix of the method you use (symptothermal) and the Marquette method (using the clearblue fertility monitor). I’m also Catholic so instead of condoms during fertile times, we abstain.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Awesome! Glad you've found things that work for you :) xx

[@JoyfulLivingLinda]

I am so scared to use this type of method (basal body temperature) since so many people here in Sweden have become pregnant using a similar tool. My biggest nightmare is becoming pregnant again. I would not be able to handle it. So I am on the pill but I really don't want to :/

[@erikagrimm1217]

There are other methods! Creighton, Marquette. I highly recommend iusenfp.com to learn more

[@JoyfulLivingLinda]

@@erikagrimm1217 Will check it out.

[@Dpinkgirlforever]

I got pregnant using this method. I now have a copper iud so it isnt hormonal! Love it so far.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Hi there! Just to clarify as I mentioned in the video, basal body temperature (and the Daysy that I use) is not birth control and isn't intended to be used alone when it comes to Fertility Awareness. It's so so important that you do what's right for you and if the pill is best for you right now then that's what matters :)

[@purelovexist]

If i wanted to get pregnant all I had to do is go on the pill. I'm very forgetful.

[@YayaBolender]

Interesting. I’ve had my kids a very long time ago, I know some stuff, but I still managed to learn something here.

[@marygoldielongakit6556]

Thanks Meghan, i just downloaded Clue, thank you so much for the information, i didn't know about Clue but because of you i already have! You are wonderful and keep making more informative videos! Much love from me! And i like your channel! 😘😍❤️

[@dianecampbell3134]

Hi there Meghan ! Thanks for such clear and precise information. I imagine that if you partnered up wiht Daysy you've tried their app too? Any reason why you didnt go with this one?

[@crazyleaf257]

Hey, so often I wake up early in the morning to pee because maybe I drank a lot of water the night before. Should I check my BBT then, or go back to sleep and check it later? I heard that you have to be sleeping for a consecutive hours

[@silviarey4068]

That was really useful! I cannot wait to give it a try! I’ve been for some years on the pill and it doesn’t work for me. I think this is exactly what I need! Thank you! 🤗

[@meghanlivingstone]

Really glad you found this useful! Be sure to check out the resources I linked in this video if you have any questions or want more information. There's lots to learn when it comes to Fertility Awareness. xx

[@manjimaroy1164]

Really helpful. Thank you. And you look lovely with that mane!

[@storml4163]

I can feel my cervix change and open and it's so uncomfortable

[@akashanumberfive199]

I van literally feel the egg release/ tube egg grab motion. I can tell which side it comes from. I can also feel when both sides release. Scary

[@audieelizabethbriggs-harri3348]

Thank you so much. I had an IUD in my arm which made me anxious and have suicudal thoughts.

[@meghanlivingstone]

Oh no! That's not good. Hope you're doing better now.

[@Ivythedragon12]

Thanx very informative

[@Awiya227]

Best one my sis

[@hillaryenloe]

Such an important topic that very few people will discuss. You presented the information in a classy yet educational format! ❤️ Thank you Have you researched reusable cloth feminine products? Healthier options from the popular standards? I would love to see a video on those sort of options available.

[@nikaklok5664]

She already has a video on this

[@marthaalbrecht4328]

Should be called pregnancy control

[@ryanjane4424]

The Daysy thermometer is >300 dollars!!

[@rodam4991]

Thanks so much for the very informative video, Meghan. Looking forward to reading the blog post too.

[@dreama8168]

I have a Daisy too! Btw I am in love with your hair!! Keep it this way! The only challenge with Daisy is to remember measuring every morning before you get out of the bed. Sometimes i get out of the bed and then I remember and that moment is like “OH NOO” I also have 1 question. Do we need to measure our temperature at the same time every morning to be accurate?

[@GinjahifyMe]

Yes, you are supposed to measure your temp at the same time every morning or close to it. Also, if you wake up in the middle of the night and go to the bathroom, etc you should skip measuring. I would check out Taking Charge of Your Fertility, that is how I learned when to skip, etc. A method that has helped me remember to measure is setting the thermometer right on my phone.

[@elizabethb.820]

@@GinjahifyMe I'm currently reading this book, but have personally noticed that my temps seem to still be consistent even if I do get up in the middle of the night. So it's probably worth still tracking it, but just noting on your charts that you got up, and ignoring the temp if it is clearly out of line with the rest of your temps.

[@GinjahifyMe]

@@elizabethb.820 I definitely think noting it is a good thing and then discarding it if it is super out of wack is good. It all depends on your body. I sometimes get up in the middle of the night and my temp is completely consistent with others. Some people are way more sensitive and that will mess with their temp.

[@MichelleKohlerArt]

Daisy is so expensive. Are there other trackers that are more affordable?

[@ashtonmirai]

a basic basal thermometer does the same thing but without all the bells and whistles

[@travelfoodielove]

So does that mean during the safe period - you can have unprotected sex?

[@rachelbonarek4355]

Thanks for all the great info! I used to track, then I got out of the habit. I heard that it might take 3-8 months after you get off birth control for your cycle to reset to normal. Would you recommend waiting a period of time after getting off hormonal BC to begin using a basal thermometer or tracking on an app?

[@nicola6234]

Personally it took my cycles years to get back to normal, but I was also on the pill for over ten years. I still found charting helpful because it showed me whether I had already ovulated or not (keeping me from freaking out, thinking I might be pregnant). I didn't get a period at all the first six months and that first cycle I had very confusing cervical fluid patterns and my breasts were sore the entire time, so maybe wait until you get your first period.

[@madelinefireleigh1390]

What did you get sick with a fever how do you supposed to know?

[@madelynr.7537]

I wish the daysy was more affordable…

[@kalasundar7120]

How to buy product please give me amezon link

[@jessicabowen2124]

Wish u did more vlog

[@annakralova4784]

So for example, I can feel my cervix every day with my finger and use calendar method and I should be good to go on natural birth control journey?

[@sheridanstringer2932]

No you still need a basal body thermometer

[@mastermind0981]

I have IUD, have 4 kids. Can not handle a 5th kid plus csection

[@Sarah_375]

I thought the daisy thing would be cool but it’s $300 for just the thermometer…

[@plankeyedsaint1140]

How successful is this? I’ve been doing this for about six months now due to the effects synthetic hormones had on my body, and when trying to explain it to people they are horrified 😂 Most people seem convinced that this doesn’t “work”. Any advice on how to explain it to people? I’ve been told by people that it doesn’t work because on any day of your cycle you have a 75% chance of possibly getting pregnant. (Which makes NO sense to me).

[@creedy8612]

Check out the creighton model. It’s the mucus tracking system and is highly effective up to 99 percent ! 😃 love it

[@jessicabowen2124]

Love ur hair curly

[@essentiallylau]

Thank you so much for the informative video! I got married last year and I knew from before that I did not want to take the pill so I researched intensively hehe.

[@fiorg2541]

Hi Meghan Thank you for this informative video. i've been thinking about going the natural birth control route. Right now Iam using the IUD method been using this birth control for about 8 years its been working great. But I don't want to rely on it forever.

[@untetheredsoul]

Stick with it if you don't want a baby. It's not a recommended method of birth control. IUD is.

[@mom23plus1]

@@untetheredsoul IUDs are dangerous for women. I know a woman who almost died when hers embedded in the wall of her uterus and caused an infection. She had a hysterectomy in her early 30s at a time that she was considering having a child. Most conventional birth control methods are not advantageous to the health of the woman.

[@creedy8612]

It’s actually very reliable and the science on natural fertility is exponential. Plenty of women use it and are very successful . I’ve had friends get pregnant on two types of hormonal birth controls multiple times. The creighton model is 99 percent effective. Women are just not taught how incredibly smart their bodies are. A lot of doctors don’t tell women that the IUD is an abortifacients either and just miscarry the conceived child. Don’t listen to people who tellyou this always fail.

[@patriciaortega4380]

Thank you for this video & for being so thorough. I always thought the cervical mucus ( never knew it was called this ) which is always at a 1 was a way for our vaginas to cleanse themselves. Sorry for the TMI.

[@untetheredsoul]

Vaginal discharge (usually white or clear in colour) cleans. I wonder how many people don't know this simply because it's not talked about because it's 'TMI'?

[@mom23plus1]

@@untetheredsoul REally, you should watch the video...Clear stretchy cervical mucus is an indicator of FERTILITY. I know that people don't know this because big pharma would not make any money off this info.

[@mumijevi]

What if I don't ovulate... I don't plan children right now, but would like to later on in life, and I want everything to be working correctly. After five months of no period I got one in January, and I'm so scared of when the next one will be...

[@emilyanne1426]

This method really isn't very effective if you aren't ovulating or if your periods are especially irregular, because it is very difficult to track your cycle's patterns which is essential to calculating safe and unsafe fertile days. It doesn't mean you shouldn't use the principles - they are still useful (especially cervix and mucus info), but it will be difficult to identify your safe days and therefore more likely you could accidentally become pregnant.

[@mumijevi]

@@emilyanne1426 Yes, that is exactly why I am asking what to do if I am not ovulating... how to "make" myself ovulate.

[@happyhormonesummit9418]

Doris Bilić Basic FAM rules are that you assume any day with cervical mucus is a fertile day that you could get pregnant. So, how do you know you don’t ovulate? Just that your period takes so long to come? You should be checked for PCOS or HA. If you aren’t ovulating, you may not have much cervical mucus either, but you could. Without ovulating, it’s actually quite difficult to get pregnant. I really loved the book Period Repair Manual. Know that there are options out there to help you regain regular periods

[@SunnyFlower447]

I love your curly hair

[@meghanlivingstone]

Thank you so much!! :-)

[@Lady_dromeda]

... I apparently suck at natural birth control.... I’m pregnant 😅 in about a year or so I can start trying again at tracking better (3 months till baby is born, then about a year or so till I start getting periods again)

[@woolypuffin392]

Women are able to get pregnant at ANY TIME of the cycle. Of course this method failed you! If you want to try a method without hormones, use a Diaphragma. It has a pearl rating of 97 to 100, while this method here has 80 to 100!

[@yesii921]

Congratulations! 🤗🤰

[@untetheredsoul]

You don't suck at all it's an unreliable and recommended method. Thank you for sharing, I hope people infuenced by this video see this comment and think twice before trying this themselves.

[@untetheredsoul]

I've just re-read your comment, please don't use this method again if you want to prevent pregnancy. It is not a safe method.

[@elizabethb.820]

I'm curious where you went wrong. Any ideas?

[@kritikitti3868]

Mrs. A: What do we call people who use natural birth control? Mrs. B: I don't know; what? Mrs. A: Parents😁🤣😂😥😣

[@vickapiano]

But why is the daisy so expensive 😭😭😭

[@elizabethb.820]

That's was what I was thinking when I first looked it up too. Decided to just go with a BBT thermometer and tracking everything in Google Sheets, lol. Working just fine so far.

[@vickapiano]

I’m going to do that!

[@emilyanne1426]

You should look into the Natural Cycles app, which you can use with a basal thermometer bought at a drug store

[@vickapiano]

Emily Anne that could be a cheaper option, but anyway you need to pay $50 annually to use that app... at least for iPhone

[@emilyanne1426]

@@vickapiano sure, it is also not super cheap, but it is certainly less money than you would pay for a full year of a monthly birth control prescription. You can also buy the book "taking charge of your fertility" and learn how to track everything on paper for absolutely free

[@losdiaz5036]

Will you have my baby ?

[@kritikitti3868]

Mary: what do you call people who use natural birth control? Suzi: I don't know; what? Mary: Parents!!😆🤣😁 Remember ladies: YOU will be the one who is pregant. There is no such thing as 'we'. Babies are cute but they cry, poop, and change YOUR life FOREVER😲

[@sitcomchristian6886]

Okaaayyy. I'm a mother. I use this method. My baby wasn't a surprise, she was planned. And yes, my life is changed forever. And it's awesome. You could be a little more supportive towards moms and parenthood. Stop being so demeaning.

[@gwenbrink2485]

Very informational, thank you so much!

[@iamamandawilliams]

This was great! Thank you!

[@karinsmith6934]

I learned a lot! Great job having courage to create a video that discusses awkward yet helpful points of this topic. 😄

[@tessaduindam2558]

Thanks for this amazing video!

[@havenhuffman8520]

Do you have any suggestions on a good condom company? I’m searching for something natural/ non toxic

[@Cschmitz585]

Thank you for informing me !! Going in today to have my hormonal IUD removed because the side effects have messed with my body in horrible ways Thank you!!

[@meghanlivingstone]

Oh no I'm sorry to hear that! I hope it all gets sorted out for ya :)