Postpartum cycle tracking? How to confidently prevent pregnancy in this often confusing time 

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It is a total MYTH that nursing is birth control, so if you've heard that I'm sorry to say, you're out of luck.

It is true that for some people, lactation may deter ovulation for many months or years. But it is NOT true for everyone, unfortunately.

This is why there are so many unexpected pregnancies that come soon after a previous one. And honestly, unless you are planning on that, it can be pretty shocking and a lot to navigate a new pregnancy with a nursing babe and still healing postpartum.

So many folks would prefer to prevent pregnancy in this time if possible.

But between the sleep disturbances, stress, depletion, body healing, and hormones adjusting of the postpartum time, cycles can be WONKY.

And you won't bleed before you ovulate, so you can't rely on that to tell if you're fertile either...

So what CAN you do? What's important to consider? What's reliable and what's not?

I go into all my thoughts on this, pretty Q+A free-flow style today. I hope it feels like a helpful resource for you, now or in the future when you need it. 

Resources:

• Grab your spot: Natural Contraception Winter 2026 waitlist

• Grab the free guide: Track Your Cycle using FAM
• Today's shownotes: Cycle tracking postpartum?
• Episode 90: 5 effective non hormonal birth control options

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.

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• Mountain Rose Herbs (affiliate link - same price as anywhere, I just receive a tiny kickback) 
  
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• Pacific Botanicals - California-grown and globally sourced herbs
• Banyan Botanicals - Ayurvedic herbs

REGIONAL, FARM-BASED COMPANIES

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• 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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