After being on the pill for 8 years, I decided it was time for a different birth control method. I was worried that after so many years of regulated hormones, it might take my body a really long time to readjust once I finally wanted children. I did some basic online research into the fertility awareness method, and just about every single source I saw recommended this book. This ended up being just what I was looking for!
After carefully reading the book and using a month to practice the temping and checking cervical fluid, I tossed my pills. I was surprised at how easy this method was to pick up and maintain, and I was so happy when my charts started to show a clear pattern. After a couple months I had it down, and we were able to only use a barrier method during the days we actually needed protection. I was able to successfully prevent pregnancy for a full year. Once we were ready to try to conceive, I reread the achieving pregnancy chapter, applied the principals, and got pregnant on the very first cycle of trying! I am now expecting my first in 3 months and couldn't be more excited and greatful.
Aside from the fact that these methods worked for me, I was impressed with the book itself. Even though I was a little put off by the size of the book, I found it to be an easy, and even enjoyable read. It was well organized and made it easy to find sections that I wanted to review. Even my husband (who is not much of a reader) got through the most relevant parts, and found it interesting as well. And despite the fact that he is a medical professional, he wasn't put off by her somewhat disparaging tone toward the medical community.
Another thing I liked about the book was its section on various problems that you could encounter while trying to conceive. Obviously if you have a medical issue, reading every fertility book in the world is not going to help you get pregnant without medical assistance. But one thing I did like is that the technique helps you spot potential problems so you have some idea of where to start if you do end up needing to seek medical help. For example, it took my cycle 6 months to regulate after going off the pill, and during those six months I was ovulating but my luteal phase was super short - most likely too short for a fertilized egg to successfully implant. If I had just gone off BC right when I wanted to conceive and started trying, I wouldn't have been successful for at least 6 months and had no idea why.
All in all I would recommend this to any woman, whether she was interested in avoiding or achieving pregnancy. It's a good read and a great resource.
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