Table of Contents
Family planning isn’t just about timing—it’s about understanding your body, your lifestyle, and your family’s unique needs. In a recent episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Roxanne and I share our personal experiences with family spacing—including what the best age gap between kids looked like for each of our families—offering an in-depth look at how we navigated the challenges of conceiving, birth control choices, and postpartum recovery. In this blog post, we break down that conversation, highlighting key insights and tips to help you make informed decisions on your own family planning journey.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more weekly workouts and educational videos! We publish one new workout video and 2-3 educational videos a week on our channel.
Our Journey to Finding the Best Age Gap Between Kids
Both Roxanne and I have unique stories about how our family planning evolved over time:
Unexpected Gaps:
My first two children ended up being three years apart—not by design, but due to natural timing. Despite the initial plan of having them as close in age as possible, the three-year gap proved to be a blessing. My older child was able to help out once the younger sibling arrived, making the transition smoother for everyone.Deliberate Timing After Loss:
Unfortunately, I struggled with secondary infertility and recurrent miscarriage. These challenges led me to be more deliberate in planning subsequent pregnancies. By preparing my body with nutrition, exercise, and close medical guidance, I aimed to start trying for my third and fourth children around 18 months postpartum.Consistency in Spacing:
Roxanne shares a parallel journey. With all her children spaced 25 months apart, she highlights the consistency that came with learning her body’s rhythms—especially the signs of ovulation and recovery after birth. Her reliable routine helps her maintain both her personal well-being and her professional knowledge as a labor and delivery nurse and student midwife.
Understanding Your Body: The Science of Natural Family Planning
A major part of our discussion centers on natural family planning, which relies on tracking the menstrual cycle and understanding the body’s signals. Here are some of the methods and tools we mention:
Cycle Tracking:
I have found success utilizing apps like Inito to track hormone levels. The app monitors indicators such as LH (luteinizing hormone) and progesterone variations, which not only predict ovulation but also help confirm that ovulation has occurred.
Cervical Mucus Observation:
Both Roxanne and I stress the importance of checking cervical mucus. Changes in mucus consistency, such as the appearance of an “egg whitey” texture, can signal that ovulation is near—a natural, body-based indicator of fertility.
Basal Body Temperature:
Tracking basal body temperature didn’t work too well for me due to frequent awakenings and inconsistent readings, but it is still a common practice among those following natural family planning methods.
These natural methods are particularly appealing for those who prefer non-hormonal options and wish to understand their bodies without relying on additional interventions. Roxanne breaks down the menstrual cycle and ways to track it in this blog.
Navigating Postpartum Recovery and Conception
Postpartum recovery plays a critical role in family planning, and both Roxanne and I will tell you there are plenty of physical and emotional challenges that come with it:
Timing is Key:
I waited until my body felt “recovered” before trying to conceive again. This careful approach not only helped me physically but also gave me the confidence to tackle the next pregnancy, even after experiencing pregnancy loss.The Impact of Birth Control:
In our discussion, Roxanne and I explore how different forms of birth control affected our bodies. In my experience, hormonal birth control can mask natural cycles, making me feel disconnected from my body’s innate rhythm. Both Roxanne and I favor methods that allow us to better tune into our bodies’ signals—whether that’s through natural family planning or non-hormonal options like IUDs.Learning Through Experience:
There are also the unexpected aspects of postpartum life, such as the challenges of dealing with hormonal shifts. I’ve also experienced some humorous, yet touching moments, like my children’s innocent questions about how babies are made, reflecting the ongoing learning curve of balancing motherhood and personal health.
Exploring Birth Control Options
Here are some key takeaways on our discussion about birth control:
Natural Family Planning:
Both Roxanne and I swear by the natural family planning method for avoiding unplanned pregnancies while still understanding our fertility cycles. This approach, however, requires vigilance and careful tracking.IUDs and Non-Hormonal Options:
Roxanne details her experience with IUDs, emphasizing that while hormonal IUDs can often reduce or even eliminate periods, non-hormonal options like the copper IUD still allow for a monthly cycle. Checking the IUD strings each month is essential to ensure it remains in place—a small detail that makes a big difference in effectiveness.Permanent Solutions:
As we continue to grow our families, both Roxanne and I are considering more permanent solutions. I have been contemplating whether to resume natural tracking methods or explore the option of my husband undergoing a vasectomy. What really matters is choosing a method that aligns with both personal comfort and family goals.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Unique Journey
Family planning is not a one-size-fits-all decision. As our conversation shows, it involves a blend of personal experiences, medical guidance, and a deep understanding of one’s body. Whether you’re considering natural family planning, hormonal birth control, or a mix of both, the key is to find what works best for you and your family.
For those interested in more support—whether through prenatal fitness programs, childbirth education courses, or postpartum recovery guidance—the MamasteFit community is a welcoming resource. And if you have your own story to share, we invite you to contribute to the conversation!
