I was on various BC pills from age 14-19... Initially for acne and painful periods, and later for pregnancy prevention. I stopped BC because of circulation issues and relied on condoms for about a year until I started the Billings Method for cervical mucus charting & the basal body temp method using the Daysy thermometer. Through charting, I could pinpoint the green days each month when sex wouldn't result in pregnancy, the yellow days where it was possible to get pregnant, and the red days when we would abstain or definitely use a condom.

This method was successful for 7 months until my SO & I conceived in December. We had sex without a condom on a yellow day.

My OB is pushing the NuvaRing and is unsupportive of natural family planning. This is frustrating to me because while this pregnancy was unplanned, it is very much welcomed, and I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to womens healthcare. My SO and I have agreed to continue natural family planning after the birth of our son... But I do worry about the judgement of other people and the expectation that I will jump right back on hormonal contraceptives to prevent another surprise. Ultimately, I have to do what I feel is right, and I think thats where we all find ourselves here.