Reconciling Concious Conception and Herbal BC

[esme]

Hey All,

Have recently read through Jeannine Parvati Baker's books including "Concious Conception". While I truly, truly appreciated her sentiments regarding only using fertility awareness (for philosophical/metaphysical/spiritual reasons etc.), I kind of feel like I'm just "not quite there yet". Who knows if I ever will be?

In any event, herbal bc seems like a more comfortable place right now between ditching the latex and just going with fertility awareness alone, but I'm still feeling a bit spiritually conflicted about it. Kind of very similar to the feeling that I'd really love to be vegetarian for moral/ecological reasons, but my body has rejected that notion for this lifetime anyway. (and not JMO - I've gotten the same advice from numerous other alternative practitioners I've gone to over the years who normally tell their clients to eat less meat etc.)

So, anyone have any advice/insights on reconciling these ideas/states of being??? Mind you, this is all coming from someone with a really strong pro-woman/pro-choice stance, so it's not a ding on anyone else at all, more like I'm just trying to find some ways to live in this in-between space that I am really suprised to currently find myself in.

Lastly, I have - and love! - Susun's Wisewoman Herbal for the Childbearing Year - in fact, keep giving away my copy to friends and family - but would love to hear anyone's particular faves for a monthly "moon" (emmenogogue) infusion.

TIA!

[:)] P

[Persephone]

Hi! I don't usually post in this forum, but your post caught me.

What exactly are you asking about? I use FAM exclusively, and would be happy to answer any questions. I am using to right now to avoid pregnancy.

As for monthly infusions, I drink red raspberry leaf every month for cramps. It works fabulously. But you asked about herbal emmenogogues? I read somewhere that a parsley infusion works well. So I tried it when I hadn't ovulated for 3 months, and it was supposed to work in 24 hours. It didn't. But two weeks later, I got my period (with ovulation, not just breakthrough bleeding). I ovulated right around the time I took that infusion... I don't know if the two are connected or not, but it was an interesting coincidence. So, that's all I can offer you there.

I've never read Conscious Conception, but it sounds really interesting.

[sapphire kate]

Persephone, do you know that old wives tale about parsley babies? You shouldn't give women parsley plants or they'll get pregnant. I always thought this odd because of it's reputation as an emmenagogue. But maybe the bringing on of the bloods is a way of restoring fertility?


esme, welcome to the forum!

I love Conscious Conception, although it's a while since I read it. My feeling about using FA as sole contraception is that either the man needs to be really on board, or the woman needs to be very clear and strong in maintaining her boundaries and not having 'risky' sex.

JPB is very into having babies, whereas I'm not. So while I've been influenced by her work alot, I think it's ok to find one's own way. For me I really like redefining sex so that it isn't in the foreplay/intercourse heterosexist model (can't remember what JPB says about that). Maybe once we free up what Conscious Sexuality is it may be clearer how women can protect their fertility? Or, come to think of it, it may be clearer how women can have genuine choice about their fertility.

Would love to hear more of your thoughts.

cheers,
kate.

[amyd]

i love the Fertility Awareness Method too! it has really worked for me. just adding my 2 cents. i agree that JPB is into having babies too. i do love her books and she is definately a Wise Woman.

[Persephone]

Kate, I have never heard that!! Thank goodness I wasn't sexually active at that point! Lol, I want babies, but not yet! I too am looking forward to more discussion here.