Body literacy + birth control 101
The path to an empowered choice
[episode snippets ft Gabrielle Jansen + myself]

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There's a term - body literacy - that's thrown around a lot in Fertility Awareness circles.

And it may seem vague, "like, what part of our body are we talking about?" And it's true, you can become literate in any system of your body, technically.

BUT your menstrual cycle is a window into your whole health - and has even been considered a fifth vital sign. 

However, you can only begin to perceive this embodied wisdom if you are naturally cycling (eg not using hormonal birth control). 

That said, there are legitimate reasons someone may choose to get on, stay on, or return to hormonal contraception. 

But if you're one - of many - who is transitioning off birth control and/or you want to understand your body and your options, this episode is a good starting point.

First, you'll hear about vaginal fluids - what's normal and what's not - and a sneak peek into the topic of fertile cervical mucus.

Next, Gabrielle Jansen shares a little about the politics and history of birth control, the experience of "pill shame" some might have and how to support your body when you ARE on hormonal birth control.

Finally, I offer some basics on reasons you may be thinking about ditching your hormonal contraception and some first steps on how to support yourself in that transition. 

It's really just a glimpse into each of those interviews, but you'll get practical take-aways from each one.

To listen to the episodes in full, check out the links below!

 

Resources:

• ONLINE - Natural Contraception course coming Jan 2024 - get on the waitlist!
• LOCALS - Winter Embodied Birth Control Series in-person, 3 months, in Hope, ME - taught by myself and Gabrielle Jansen - register here
• Episode 17: How stress messes with your hormones
• Episode 23: Your body on birth control with Gabrielle Jansen
• Episode 46: Vaginal fluids - what's normal, what's not?
• Episode 84: Herbal allies for transitioning off hormonal birth control
   
  

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

Trusted sources for bulk herbs:

LARGE COMPANIES 

• Mountain Rose Herbs (affiliate link - same price as anywhere, I just receive a tiny kickback) 
  
• Mountain Rose Herbs (not an affiliate link, Mountain Rose gets all your $)
• Pacific Botanicals - California-grown and globally sourced herbs
• Banyan Botanicals - Ayurvedic herbs

REGIONAL, FARM-BASED COMPANIES

• Zack Woods Herb Farm (VT)
• Healing Spirits (NY)
• Sawmill Herb Farm (MA)
• Oshala Farm (OR)
• Meetinghouse Farm (ME)
• Sonoma County Herb Exchange (CA)

Learn to track your cycle and listen to your own body wisdom - Track Your Cycle Simply in 3 Easy Steps Guide (click here)  

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