Family Planning That's Natural

Short Cycles, Diet, and Ovulation

2009-12-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

 Hi Katie,   I do my best to eat a Weston A. Price nutrient-rich diet with grass-fed  butter, raw milk and cheese, pasture-raised meats, etc.  My cycle has been  a pretty consistent 23-25 days long for the past year, and my two most  recent cycles have been just 20 days long.  Do you have any ideas what  that might mean?  Or anything I can do/eat to try to get back on track  (closer to 28 days)?  I am going to start charting my cycle and see if that tells me anything.  I'm 30 years old and not planning to have  children anytime soon, but I do care about my reproductive health and hope  to have children in the future.   Thanks for all your good work on these topics! 
...................................................

In response:


You need to chart and learn whether you are ovulating or not.  Often,
short cycles mean that estrogen dominates progesterone in your
reproductive system.  You need to decrease things that lead to estrogen
dominance.  More on this subject is discussed in this blog.

I can't tell from the diet you describe if you include caffeine, sugar, white flour, or soy, but if you do, be sure to decrease them.  Try adding cod liver oil and the night-lighting technique that I describe in my book.  Best of luck,  Katie Singer

A cervix question

2009-12-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Katie!

I need a little advice. I have used the NFP method in the past with
great success. I went back on the pill for about a year to keep my
periods regular during a very stressful time in my life (my final year
of college). I am now back to tracking my cycles (also using a condom
for back-up) and off the pill. My question concerns my cervix during
certain times of the month. Now, I don't monitor my cervix's firmness
every day, as you suggest, but I do notice that during lovemaking my
cervix is very tender during certain times of my cycle. Does this
tenderness mean my cervix is soft or firm? I have not really tried to
detect a pattern, but I thought maybe the tenderness would work as a
good indicator for where I am in my cycle.

Thanks! I hope this is a good question.

...........................................................

I first need to clarify that the Pill does not regulate menstrual cycles.
Basically, it shuts down many aspects of the cycle. You can see this in
the cervix pictures on my website:

>http://www.gardenoffertility.com/cervix.shtml<

I think you do have a very good question. I'm not aware of cervix
tenderness being a fertility sign. But I think it indicates something.
Is it adjusting to coming off the Pill? Is it giving a message that you
need a pap smear? Honestly, I don't know.

You might decrease or eliminate soy, sugar, white flour, caffeine, and
animal products that are not organic. You might take high quality cod
liver oil and organic butter and try the night lighting technique that I
describe in my book to strengthen your health. See if this shifts your
cervix tenderness. You might consult with a doctor.

Take Care,

Katie Singer

Fertility Awareness in Switzerland

2009-11-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

An interesting question about FA in Switzerland:

Hello, Katie,

I just found your website while researching about fertility awareness and I got really interested in reading your book(s), specially the part concerning diet habits, as I've been a vegetarian for 14 years now but I've been thinking about starting eating meat again and I'd like to do it a healthy way. I've also been on the pill for 5 years and now I'm quitting
and starting the fertility awareness method.

I was wodering if you would know of a group or organization in Geneva that discusses/practices the method. I'm having a hard time looking for a teacher or a place where I could discuss this around here - apparently, there is not a Swiss center or organization on the matter, but I thought maybe you could be aware of expats who gather to learn and talk about FA.

-------------

Congratulations on your decision to get off the pill.

I don't know of FA teachers in Switzerland. But try www.fertilityuk.org.

For info about nutrition, I recommend taking a look at www.westonaprice.org. There is a chapter leader in Switzerland, Diana Boskma. Her email address is food.diana@gmail.com. Simply, you might experiment with eliminating soy, sugar, white flour, and caffeine; add cod liver oil and butter. And whenever you eat dairy or meat, make sure they are organic.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

A question about mucus

2009-10-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Please see my response below.

********

Hi Katie,

I just had a beautiful baby girl last November (named Katie actually). I have your book, "The Garden of Fertility" that I used to
chart my temperatures before I conceived her.

I just have a question for you. I'm trying to figure out what my body is up to. After Katie was born my cycles returned rather quickly. I nursed her every two hours for several months. Now she nurses about every three hours, nurses once or twice at night and is eating solids regularly each day. She's now 10 1/2 months old. The thing is I haven't had a period in about two months. I love nutrition and try to eat the Weston A. Price way (as much as I can afford or handle). I also sleep in complete darkness each night. Here's the part I can't figure out. I've had a LOT of mucus for weeks. It's there just about every time I use the bathroom. We've taken two pregnancy tests and they were both negative. What do you think could be causing all that
mucus?

Thanks for your help! :)

-----

While a woman transitions back to regular cycling, it's a very confusing time. The confused signals can go on for a long time. Mucus is a sign that your body is emitting estrogen, and that tells us that your body is trying to ovulate.

You might try sleeping exposed to light for two to three nights, then returning to darkness for two weeks. Continue with darkness for two more weeks, then two to three days of light, then two more weeks of darkness.

You might also try taking high quality cod liver oil with butter everyday and eliminating soy, sugar, and caffeine.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

A message I'd like to share

2009-09-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

Dear Katie,

I am finally writing to you, nearly a year after first reading your wonderful book (the Garden of Fertility). I had been on the pill for about 6 years before having my son (I was one of those weird people who conceives 2 weeks after being off the pill), but during the pregnancy and the process of planning the birth I discovered a more natural way of doing things and felt very opposed to the idea of going back on the pill. Of course, I was also breastfeeding and planning to do so for a while, so
I knew I couldn't take any type of hormonal medication. My midwife (we planned a home birth) recommended your book to me; I got it when my son was about a month old and never looked back. I have been working with Ilene Richman on occasion over the past 10 months or so now. She is the one who recommended I contact you to tell you how much you have inspired and influenced me.

Not only has fertility awareness changed my daily life (I have been charting regularly since November of last year), it has also taught me so many wonderful things about my body and its functioning. My son just turned one and I am still breastfeeding him frequently; I have yet to return to ovulation, but am finding it so exciting watching my body gearing up for action! I went on the pill when I was about 19 and was basically on it right up until getting pregnant, so I never really had the experience of observing my cycles in a conscious way. Now I look forward to finally being able to do that.

The biggest impact your book had on me, however, was the section on nutrient-dense foods and the Weston Price Foundation. I became a member early this year, and last November we joined our local NYC "raw milk club." When I read the section in your
book on the WAPF way of eating, something about it just really clicked for me. I pounced on the information and became totally committed to changing our diets and way of eating. I had been mainly vegetarian for the 9 months preceding my pregnancy, but I had strong cravings for steak right after the birth that I couldn't deny; when I read more about WAPF my cravings finally made sense. My husband had been a junk-food vegetarian for 16 years (for animal rights reasons), but this year he started eating meat again. We go out of our way to put 95% of our food dollars into the local economy, buying grass-fed meat & poultry, raw milk & dairy, whole wheat sourdough bread, fresh local fruits & veggies, and even local organic dry beans; high-vitamin cod liver oil plays a big role in our lives, and sugar plays NO role at all now! I have seen a dramatic improvement in all of the minor health conditions that I accepted as part of life for years. This is all thanks to YOU! I know many people are resistant to the WAPF gospel -- they think grain-based diets and soy are the way to go -- and many people have a mortal fear of fats, especially those nasty saturated ones, but I wanted you to know that there are readers out here who are desperately hungry for this information, and we greatly appreciate you sharing it. Of course I have now shared this knowledge with everyone I can in my own life, most importantly my two sisters (one of whom has a young child and is pregnant again), and my mom, as well as my husband's family who are originally from Mexico. [Unfortunately they gave up lard for corn oil when they moved here some 35 years ago, but whenever we go to visit them in Chicago I bring lard along and encourage them to use it!]

I have also made it my mission in life to help other expecting and young moms with finding ways to use nutrient-dense foods to achieve total health for themselves and their little ones. I received my certification as a Health Counselor this year, and
have a small practice here in Brooklyn NY helping women and families with a range of issues, all from a natural, nutrient-dense foods perspective. I recently presented on baby's first foods at our local La Leche League meeting, and was overwhelmed with inquiries from mothers anxious for information on feeding their babies. I plan to reach out to local pediatricians and OB/GYNs to let them know how my services can help their patients have healthier, better lives. I take local moms to the farmers' market, I help clients shop for food, I teach to prepare foods properly, and I make it my mission to inspire women to really prioritize their health & well-being. Of course, a discussion of fertility awareness is also a part of my practice. Just as women need some coaching with getting on the right track for FA (and reproductive self-care), they also often need a coach to help with food issues. My practice is truly holistic in that it allows women to address all the reasons why they eat the way they do (emotional, practical, financial, etc.), and helps them learn to observe how foods are affecting their
mood, energy level, and health; I also lead my clients in transitioning gradually to a better way of eating. Learning about nutrient-dense foods from your book has truly impacted my entire life, from my career to my health. [Did I also mention
that our son is absolutely thriving on this diet? He is robust, adorable, and incredibly social and smart.]

Thank you for reading, and THANK YOU for your work! I am more grateful to you than I can say.

A question about HCG injections

2009-09-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

My answer follows the question below:

I've read your book (The Garden of Fertility) and have a question about BBT charting. Can I still use BBT to confirm pregnancy if I am currently taking HCG injections to lengthen my luteal phase and improve my body's production of estrogen and progesterone? (My luteal phase was too short to support a pregnancy). My husband and I are trying to conceive (I currently chart both cervical mucous and BBT too).

Am I doing the right thing, or do other rules apply now?

----
I've never heard of HCG injections. You might go to your local hospital's medical library, and ask the librarian to help you answer your question. You might also ask the librarian to help you research your risks in taking this drug. Also, your pharmacist should give you the drug company's insert for these injections, and it might address these questions.

A question about breastfeeding

2009-09-07T20:15:00.001-07:00

Another message I thought you might enjoy. My response follows the message below.

Dear Katie,

I read your book, The Garden of Fertility. It's great! Very helpful. We are loosely following a Weston Price diet, taking our butter and codliver oil every day, eating no sugar or processed foods, eating plenty of grass fed meat and raw butter and eggs and fermented foods and organic vegetables. We don't have nearly enough organ meats or bone stock. I have 2 children, one is 5 and one is two and a half.

I'm still nursing the youngest a bit. He's small for his age, though his big brother isn't, but my husband and I aren't really that big either, so I expect it's genes rather than diet related, but who really knows? He's very healthy and bright and lovely. His teeth are closer together than his brother's but there are still spaces between them.

We started our version of the WAP diet a few months before getting pregnant with him. Before that we were macrobiotic for many years, although I started eating cheese, yoghurt, lamb and chicken when I became pregnant with my first. I nursed the first right through my second pregnancy and just to go to sleep at night for a couple of months after the second was born. I've never really been able to find anything about how long "traditional" people nursed their babies, and if they nursed when pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or if there was a period of time before getting pregnant where they were no longer nursing in order to build up their reserves again. Do you know? I'm just wondering about getting pregnant again and if I should stop nursing entirely and wait a while before I try. Do you have any opinion about this? I just want to make sure I'm doing the best thing particularly as it's my third. I'm sorry to throw so much information at you. I'm not sure if you can help, but I'd be really interested in anything you had to say. Thanks!

-------

Thank you for your email. I do not know how long people breastfed in traditional cultures. I can recommend two books: "Our Babies, Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent" by Meredith Small. You might also enjoy "Mother Nature: A History of Mothers, Infants, and Natural Selection" by Sarah Blaffer Herdy.

I will also say that I have questions about how the number of children that a woman has and the space between her children have been affected by the phenomenal changes on our planet in the last 150 years. Quality food is much more difficult to get. We are all experiencing increased population density, and technology can rule the pace of our lives. How do these factors affect creating healthy families and healthy child-spacing? I don't know! I do know that I do have questions.

Thanks for your thoughtfulness on these matters.

Very best,

Katie Singer

A question about fibroid tumors

2009-09-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I received the following question regarding fibroid tumors, and I thought I'd share the information with my readers. My response follows the message below.

------

I found out 1.5 years ago that I have several fibroid tumors and cysts on my right ovary. My doctor suggested surgery for both. I have tried several alternative options with little results. I eat nutrient dense foods but do not take any supplements except cod liver oil. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

------

I can think of four suggestions for you.

1. Read up about estrogen dominance (in earlier FAQs) and in Dr. Tom Cowan's "Fourfold Path To Healing." Do what you can to decrease your exposure to estrogenic stuff.

2. Check out Carla Dionne's website, uterinefibroids.com.

3. Try homeopathy. You'll need a very experienced homeopath.

4. Try acupuncture and chinese herbs. Again, you'll need a practitioner whom you connect with and trust.

Meanwhile, continue with your nutrient dense diet, and avoid sugar, soy, white flour, and unsaturated oils and trans fats.

Very best,

Katie Singer

An interesting message regarding Natural Family Planning

2009-09-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like to read this, along with my response, below:

As I see you are quite the authority on natural family planning and I had a questions. My husband and I both want to begin using NFP to prevent pregnancy now, and help to achieve it later on. I am currently on the pill and would like to change to a healthy method of birth control. However, we are not Catholic, I think I've only been in a church 2 times in my life. Both of us are from Jewish families, although we are not very outwardly religious people (in the sence that we do not go to temple or observe holidays). I would like to meet with someone, a NFP councilor of some sort. However, they all seem to be affiliated with churches. I think it is important for us to meet with someone to insure that we are doing things correctly. I don't mind visiting a church; however, I also don't know how my religious beliefs and practices would be received. Do you have any suggestions are there any unaffiliated NFP instructors?

Thank you very much for your time.

------

Congratulations on your decision to get off the pill. As a first step, I
recommend that you and your husband read my book, "The Garden of
Fertility." This explains what happens during a healthy menstrual cycle,
how the pill affects your cycle, and it gives nutritional information and
night-lighting techniques for encouraging your cycles' return to health. I
also give comprehensive instruction about how to chart your fertility
signs, and how to identify the days you are fertile and infertile.

The book also includes a test that you and your husband can take at home
to determine how well you know the method.

You can also contact the Fertility Awareness Network in New York City to
find a teacher near you. FAM's number is 800.597.6267. FAM is a secular
organization.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

"The Garden of Fertility" in Spanish

2009-08-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

A question (and my response) about obtaining my books in Spanish.

--------

First of all, i want to say that i love your book. i am still not doing the best at charting, but at least i know which days i can and cannot get pregnant, so it has helped me a ton! i just have to get into a routine of charting everything, which i just need to stop being lazy. anyway, the real reason i am writing is because i have a friend that is from mexico and has 1 kid, and wanting to get pregnant with her 2nd, but is having problems. i of course told her about your book, but she doesn't speak english. i have been talking to her about it and explaining things but i was wondering if you have your book translated into spanish? i can translate for her, it would just take awhile, but at least i am working with her on the main areas, anyways, i just wondered because i know there are a lot of hispanics it would benefit. i think the more people that have the opportunity to learn this information, the better! thanks again for an awesome book.

__________

Thanks for your email. I'm always glad to hear about another woman
connecting with her menstrual cycle.

The book has not been translated. I do have a fertility IQ test on this
website in Spanish.

http://www.gardenoffertility.com/iqspanish.shtml

If you decide to translate my material for your friend, you might have an easier time with Honoring Our Cycles. This book is much simpler. You should be able to order it online.

http://www.amazon.com/Honoring-Our-Cycles-Planning-Workbook/dp/096708976X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247415077&sr=8-1

Sticky vs. Dry Mucus

2009-06-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

A response to a reader regarding mucus.

------

As you decrease soy, your mucus might change. You might see some bone dry days after and before your period. Your cycles might get shorter.

If you don't see significant changes after a couple of cycles, you might consider a few other things: decreasing or eliminating food wrapped in plastic; sugar, honey, maple syrup; animal products from live stock given GMO's, bGh, antibiotics and pesticides; caffeine; perfume and other scented products. All of these contribute to estrogen dominance, and that can create the kind of mucus pattern you described. You might also try the night-lighting techniques I've described.

What's the difference between dry and sticky? The nose is a moist membrane, and most people know whether the inside of their nose is dry or sticky. That's about sensation, and it applies to vaginal sensation.

Interesting observation about body temperatures.

2009-05-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Katie,

Love your book!

One thing I would strongly recommend though... I always took my morning temperatures under my armpit and was always discourages as the temps were so low.

A friend recommended under the tongue. I looked through your book and noticed that you recommend either way so I tried it. Well, my temps are consistently 1-1.5 degrees higher! I just think this info needs to be out there so women know it isn't apples to apples. I was convinced I had thyroid issues when in fact it was just the way I was measuring my temp.

______________________________

Thank you so much for sharing your research. I will post your observations on my blog.

Best,

Katie Singer

Interesting observation about body temperatures.

2009-05-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Katie,

Love your book!

One thing I would strongly recommend though... I always took my morning temperatures under my armpit and was always discourages as the temps were so low.

A friend recommended under the tongue. I looked through your book and noticed that you recommend either way so I tried it. Well, my temps are consistently 1-1.5 degrees higher! I just think this info needs to be out there so women know it isn't apples to apples. I was convinced I had thyroid issues when in fact it was just the way I was measuring my temp.

________________________

Thank you so much for sharing your research. I will post your observations on my blog.

Best,

Katie Singer

A question about night-lighting

2009-05-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I have just read your book "Honoring Our Cycles," and I have a question
about using the "night-lighting" technique to regulate my menstrual cycle.
I have a very bright streetlight outside and my black-out curtains don't
make the room entirely dark. Will night-lighting have the same effect if
I use a sleeping mask to block out the light from my eyes, or is it
necessary that my entire body be surrounded by complete darkness?

Thanks!

************

I'm not sure. I think the eye mask should give you what you need. If you
can afford it, there are room-darkening honeycomb blinds made with mylar;
I'm also looking into roll-down blinds that might be available at places
like Home Depot. I have also had good experience with flattened cardboard
between the window and the existing blind.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

A question about night-lighting

2009-05-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I have just read your book "Honoring Our Cycles," and I have a question about using the "night-lighting" technique to regulate my menstrual cycle. I have a very bright streetlight outside and my black-out curtains don't make the room entirely dark. Will night-lighting have the same effect if I use a sleeping mask to block out the light from my eyes, or is it necessary that my entire body be surrounded by complete darkness?

Thanks!

***********

I'm not sure. I think the eye mask should give you what you need. If you can afford it, there are room-darkening honeycomb blinds made with mylar; I'm also looking into roll-down blinds that might be available at places like Home Depot. I have also had good experience with flattened cardboard between the window and the existing blind.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

An interesting note from a reader.

2009-05-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

**********

Hi Katie,

Love your book!

One thing I would strongly recommend though... I always took my morning temperatures under my armpit and was always discourages as the temps were so low.

A friend recommended under the tongue. I looked through your book and noticed that you recommend either way so I tried it. Well, my temps are consistently 1-1.5 degrees higher! I just think this info needs to be out there so women know it isn't apples to apples. I was convinced I had thyroid issues when in fact it was just the way I was measuring my temp.

A question about Queen Anne's Lace and Wild Carrot

2009-02-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

A question - and my response - about two particular herbs:

Hello Katie,

I've been thinking through various birth control options and I recently learned about a Western herb called Queen Anne's Lace or Wild Carrot? Do you have any experience with it as a natural form of birth control?

---------

I've never used it myself.

A question about the follicular phase, and night lighting

2009-02-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

Please see a few questions, and my answers below...

Enjoy!

Dear Ms. Singer,

Your book 'Garden of Fertility' is superb but I just can't understand one part of it no matter how hard I try. You have stated that low progesterone levels can be indicated by a number of factors,including when the transitioon from the follicular phase to
the luteal phase takes more than 3 days. You have also used examples to illustrate this but I cannot understand these examples. How does one work out this transition and how many days it takes. I normally seperate the follicular phase from the luteal by looking at the day when temperatures shot above coverline. So which is the transitional period?

For example on P113 on Barbara's chart, you say she took 6 days (Days 18-23) to shift from the follicular phase to the luteal phase. How do you get 6 days?

I have shown this book to my friends as well and none of us can work it out. Not sure if I missed something in the book or if this perhaps needs further explanation.

Thanks so much for your help.

------

Thank you for your question.

I first want to clarify that we're talking about Chart 6.6 on page 114.

I think you are right. I'm confused here. I think what I was trying to show is that Day 18 was the last day before Barbara's
temperatures started to rise. Days 20, 21, 22 and 23, her temperatures continued to rise. She didn't have a crisp shift. I might say she was "stairstepping" between the follicular and luteal phases. The "stairstepping" quality can indicate low progesterone levels. I hope this clarifies.

------

Dear Ms. Singer,

Thanks for clarifying. Yes, it is Figure 6.6 I was referring to.

I see the pattern that you have explained so it makes sense now.

I have read a few chapters of your book and it's been quite enlightening...especially the lunaception chapter as I did not come across that in most of the articles I have read. After reading that last night, I now plan to sleep blindfolded for a few nights until my husband and I find a more practical way to block out the bright street lights that illuminate our bedroom every night.

Thanks once again for getting back to me.

------
I'm glad you're enjoying the book. Before I bought light blocking shades, I used unfolded cardboard boxes which actually worked quite well.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

A question about teenagers and sexuality.

2009-02-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I've posted a query about teenagers and sexuality. My response follows below.

------------

Dear Katie,

Do you have advice for some kind of info to show to a 16-year old who is being tempted into sex?!

Thank you!
------------

Every sixteen year old is unique, so it's hard to know what to recommend. My book, HONORING OUR CYCLES, gives a simple description of the menstrual cycle and how pregnancy occurs. THE GARDEN OF FERTILITY also includes what happens in the male reproductive system. Both books are packed with stories from real people about their experiences with sex, birth control,
and their bodies. That might be the best recommendation I can give; that you help this young woman find a way to hear from other people about their experiences.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

A question about Night Lighting

2009-02-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I've posted a question about Night Lighting, as well as my response.

Enjoy!

---------------

Hello,

I recently got both of your books, and I thank you for the wonderful information. I’m 27 years old and haven’t had a menstrual cycle in 3 ½ years. My cycle stopped as soon as I discontinued birth control pills after taking them for 8 years. I have been charting my temperatures and cervical fluid for about a year now. I do not ovulate or have a change in cervical fluid. I have followed and combination on Weston Price and Body Ecology Diet for 4 years. I am working with a natural medicine doctor to strengthen my thyroid and adrenals. A vaginal ultrasound done about 1 year ago showed nothing abnormal.

My husband and I have begun Lunaception. We have been in complete darkness for 4 nights now. My question is should we sleep with a light on for 3 nights this coming full moon, or should we continue in darkness until I notice a change in my cervical fluid. Your opinion is greatly appreciated, and any other suggestions you might have.

--------

Why don't you sleep in total darkness until the day before the full moon, and then return to total darkness on February 10th or the 11th, right after the full moon?

These days, I'm also encouraging people to consider eliminating WiFi and drastically reducing cell phone use to see if reducing microwave radiation exposure improves your health.

I would also recommend Tai Chi or yoga or some other kind of gentle movement that supports your circulation.

Do keep with your WAP/Body Ecology diet.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

Question about conceiving at age 45

2009-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I was wondering if your book would be appropriate for someone trying to conceive at 45? I had a great pregnancy at 42 and would like to repeat my good luck. I would love to do this naturally if at all possible. I know I'll need to do my best to be in peak health and am looking for guidance and support in this endeavor. Have you had experience with anyone as old as I am and would your book be a good reference for me?

Thank you for your time.

---------------------------------------

My books describe night lighting techniques and information about nutrient-dense foods that strengthen reproductive health. If that sounds good to you, I hope you enjoy them.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583331824

Best of luck,

Katie Singer

Question about Thermometers

2009-01-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I've posted a question - and my response - about thermometers.

Hi Katie,

I am really enjoying all the information your book provides. I have a
question about thermometers. Do I need to use a basal body temperature
specific thermometer or will a regular digital one work. I am also trying
out my third thermometer and they all give me different numbers at the
same time. The second one has a quick 8 second read time but is that too short
for an accurate number?

Thanks

----------------------------------------

Thanks for your question. A digital thermometer that registers temperature
in increments of 1/10 -- not 2/10 -- is what you need. Also, I have heard
that you need to wait at least five minutes after taking your temperature
with a digital thermometer to get an accurate second reading. Last, I hope
that the three thermometers you're testing are not giving you readings
that are significantly different from each other. That fact that they are
different is reason to stick with one thermometer per cycle and to take
your temperature in the same location (under your tongue or under your
arm) everyday.

Best,

Katie Singer

A question about becoming certified in FA

2008-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

A question about becoming certified to teach Fertility Awareness.

My response follows below.

I am starting my long held idea of teaching NFP in my community. I have read about the workbook on your website, and will probably be buying it. When it is complete, and reviewed by another teacher, do I get a certification of some kind? Are there other options for becoming and FA or NFP teacher?

For a couple of reasons I don't want to go through CCL. I still love the organization, but I want to reach a wider audience, and I am thinking of this as a small business that can bring in a bit of income. If you have any advice, I am all ears (or eyes. . .).

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Completing my study guide does not give you certification. This is a missing link in the FA community. Everyone involved is essentially running a one-woman show. The only certification program I know of is run by Justisse (http://www.justisse.ca) in Canada. After I studied and did enormous amounts of research, I taught at Women's Health Services in Santa Fe for many years. The clinic had received numerous grants for educational projects and this allowed me to teach and get paid. The women and couples who took my classes paid a minimal fee. I bet that you can find a similar clinic in your area.

My main concern in teaching this material is that few women have healthy cycles now. Teachers therefore need a big repertoire for responding to health problems that the charts reveal. I certainly recommend becoming well-versed with Marilyn Shannon's ideas as well as the ones I wrote about in THE GARDEN OF FERTILITY and my workbook, HONORING OUR CYCLES.

Very best to you,

Katie Singer

A question about FA classes/training

2008-09-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

An interesting question about FA classes. My response is below.

Dear Katie,

As you know I've been charting for several years, and I've also now been
begun using FA as birth control. In practice doing massage and with friends
and family it comes up so often, I find myself educating people a lot about
their options and cycles. It's something I really enjoy, and that has been
such a benefit to my own health and life. I've decided I'd like to start
teaching- and wanted to get contact you for some advice.

I noticed on your site that you recommend Justisse's course. Even though
it's somewhat expensive, I'm considering it- what are your thoughts, how
does compare to the study guide offered on your website?

I've been asked by the place I work to give a small intro talk on FA next
month- and they are very interested in supporting further courses. Is there
a way we could get a box of your books to have at the center. The last time
I did a talk I had ordered 4 copies off amazon and sold them at cost, which
worked fine, but if there's a better way to go through you, let me know.

As far as my thoughts about teaching go, I'd like to see the material be
taught to women who are not necessarily concerned with pregnancy or birth
control but who are interested in learning the information for themselves.
I've been offered opportunities to get involved with afterschool programs in
the bronx etc. I've been thinking about how I'd put together a class on
that. I like to dialogue with you about that to see if you any suggestions
as well.

---------------------------

I'm glad to hear that you're still charting and still an FA advocate.
That's great. Let me answer the question about books first. I buy my books
from Penguin at 50% of retail. There are twenty per box. You can open an
account with Penguin by phoning 800-847-5515 or 800-526-0275. I believe
you need to order a minimum of $250 worth of books in order to get a
discount.

I also have a newer book, Honoring Our Cycles, which was published by New
Trends. It retails for $12. I recommend that you get a copy and check it
out. If you like, you can order a box of twenty-four copies from New
Trends at 877-707-1776. That cost would be 50% of retail, plus shipping.

My concern about teaching is that most young women have significant
menstrual cycle problems, and a teacher needs to be able to present a wide
variety of options. Her options need to be educational, not therapeutic.
This can be very tricky. Of course, you also need to describe what happens
in a healthy cycle in a way that's accurate and understandable. I think
it's crucial that new teachers have support from more experienced
teachers. Unfortunately, there aren't many experienced teachers and
Justisse is the only actual training program that I know of.

If you are still drawn to teaching, I definitely recommend that you work
my study guide and consider studying through Justisse. I am not teaching
at this time. I am available for occasional consults. I charge $75 per
hour.

Best of luck, and thanks for your continued interest in sharing Fertility
Awareness.

Katie Singer

A question about bleeding

2008-08-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hi Katie,

Want to thank you profusely for your book Garden of Fertility which has provided answers to me that evaded me with midwives, naturopathics and other health practitioners that really should have answers! Your book was the end of over a year of searching. Thank you!

I just have one question left.... You stated in the book that a normal cycle should have clott free bleeding. Tho everything else seems stellar, I'm still having some clotting. It was one of the things I was seeking answers for in the first place because it was something new to me.

What causes them and what can I do to get rid of them? I am sure I don't have endometriosis, but any other info I find says they are normal. Either way, they aren't normal for me as I've never had them before this last year.

By the way, I recommend your book to *everyone* and I even wrote to Mothering Magazine suggesting they do an article on it.

Hoping you can again point me in the right direction.

Thanks again!

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I'm glad you like THE GARDEN.

I seem to remember that doctors of Oriental Medicine consider clotting a kind of chi stagnation. What would cause it? I'm not sure, but I bet you'd get interesting answers if you talked with doctors of Oriental Medicine. They might also be able to clear the situation through herbs and/or acupuncture.

Best of luck,

Katie Singer