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Family Matters:  Something I've never heard anyone talk about  |
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JimBobAndLarry
Farmgirl in Training
39 Posts
Sarah
Fortville
IN
USA
39 Posts |
 Posted - May 24 2005 : 8:08:59 PM
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Ok, this is not my soap box. I've never even brought up this topic, but I've been thinking a lot about living organically, in rhythm with nature and keeping things old fashion. I've been looking to live a pure, organic farmgirl life for about 8 years now... I'm 28.
Here's what I've learned over these past eight years: When people mess with the natural way of the earth, and chose a method for ANYTHING that requires less work (seems easier, cheaper, more comfortable and more convenient)in the long run we usually suffer. Am I wrong? Can you think of anything that is made better by changing it's natural rhythm?
What about when we use chemicals and hormones to change something to make our work easier? Duh. We are organically minded women, right? OK, so what about birth control? What do you think about The Pill and other chemical and hormone changing methods of keeping families small and spaced out?
I know that a lot women who eat organic and are not thinking about how the principles of organic and natural living might apply to family planning. I’m not trying to make anyone mad, I’m just suggesting that we think this through. I’m not catholic, but I care about my body, my family and my future. I can see that we humans really seem to make things worse when we try to make things easier through synthetic methods.
It was actually a news clipping in this issue of MaryJanesFarm, that made me think about this. It was all about the book “Our Bodies Ourselves” This book promotes some great things, but when we seek to live a pure, gentle and natural life I don’t think it can be achieved through some of the synthetic, intrusive and hormone altering methods suggested in this book. I’m not saying that I have an answer to my own question, but I’d like to hear the thoughts of other Farmgirls.
Think about it, these modern methods of family planning came about at the same time as factory farming, drugged childbirth, industrialization, and the institutionalization of every possible aspect of life. Could it be that that just like the rest of these things we are being robbed of what was intended to be nature’s more perfect design for women and families?
It anyone else thinking along these lines? Is anyone willing to consider my new revelation with me from an organic Farmgirl perspective? Has anyone written a non-religious book on this topic? As you think about this with me, just put on your Farmgirl hat. Right now it doesn’t matter if you are a catholic, a feminist…or both… what does the farm girl think?
Think for a bit about the way things are meant to be when life is in rhythm with nature. It just seems to me that all this synthetic family planning business might belong in the same category as confinement farming for chickens.
"Jim-Bob&Larry is the name of my daughter's new laying hen. My little girl is three and she came up with the name all by herself. I'm Sarah." |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2005 : 10:32:32 PM
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I agree totally. I had problems that kept me from having more than my two "homemade children" but only was on the pill for a very short time early in that marriage and hated how it made me feel..bad headaches especially..so I never used the pill again. Most of my 7 children are adopted and I always wanted a big family...so I think I would have tried to do that as naturally as possible if I could have had them myself. I just don't think it could possibly be very good for you. Just my 2 cents though.
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
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Crystal
Farmgirl at Heart
5 Posts
Crystal
South Dakota
5 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2005 : 5:00:00 PM
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Sarah, I also agree and am glad to hear someone bring it up . I took birth control for a short time several years ago after my son was born, and quit when it became too expensive . I'm glad I did . Now my cycles more closly coinside with the cycles of the moon which I think is so much more natural (and pretty cool) than the artificialness of my cycle on the pill . I'm glad to know there others who have thought of the pill as being against natures rythm and not nessarly because of religous reasons . Thanks again for bringing it up .
Crystal |
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Jacqueline
Farmgirl in Training
26 Posts
Jacqueline
Burbank
CA
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 9:26:41 PM
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BlueEggBabe
True Blue Farmgirl
417 Posts
Susan
PA
417 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 04:16:54 AM
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Hi Sarah,
I so agree with your post. Unless you have some kind of ESP it is extremely difficult to pay attention to the quiet rhythms of our womanly bodies in the world that we live. And, like you mentioned, our bodies are affected by everything around us ,how we live our lives and also the nourishment we choose.
Last year I got an email from a woman in New Mexico who loved one of my products and asked if I would be willing to barter in exchange for a copy of her newly published( and autographed!) book "The Garden of Fertility".
At 45, fertility is not at the forefront of my mind, lets say but I do have a 21 year old daughter and of course I love a good "natural" read of any kind. So I agreed.
This book deals with all the issues that you describe....allow me to quote just a bit from the cover:
"The Garden of Fertility offers practical information, illuminated with insightful personal stories for every woman who wants to learn to live in concert with her body and to take care of her reproductive health naturally."
also......."...this book's chapter on food and reproductive health succintly presents the nutritional keys to creating regular, ovulatory cycles...and is available for women (and men) who want to create strong reproductive health through diet."
Katie Singer has two websites www.KatieSinger.com and www.FertilityAwareness.net
It is an amazing book.
PS. Just an aside....The book is not just about achieving fertility, but an education about paying attention to our bodies and all its mysterious whispers ( and occasional shouts!) at any age.
Hope this helps.
Susan
"If more of us valued good food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
J.J.R.Tolkien |
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connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 3:24:40 PM
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Hey Farmgirls I am 53 and no longer concerned about birth control. However, I have had medical problems this year for the first time in my life and just hate the way the doctors have a new pill to fix everything, supposedly. My medicine cabinet is full, and despite having insurance, my pocketbook is empty. I even have medicines to deal with the side effects of other meds. I hate this scenario. However, the alternative is of course, to remain in poor health or see a naturapathic physician which I would prefer, but with the fees to see one being $150 a session, I can't afford it. My insurance company Aetna, would hardly cover this type of therapy.
Just sounding off I guess because I just spent the afternoon having more expensive medical tests.
Connie
cozycottage |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 3:35:12 PM
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Without asking you to divulge personal info, Connie, I would recommend that you do your own research online regarding more natural and herbal ways to treat your condition. I too encountered a health scare late last year, and it was of course an expensive prescription "cure all" thing that the doctor insisted on to lower cholestrol. Well, I tried those pills for one week and was feeling HORRIBLE. So, I've elected to try different approaches that I've read about instead. Depending on what your situation is, maybe you could wean yourself off those meds gradually and work into other alternatives. I'm not trying to dispense medical advise, but sometimes we just have to listen to our own bodies and our own intuition about these things. You love non-fiction, so research this and be empowered!
Sending you good health thoughts......... 
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - May 29 2005 : 8:42:51 PM
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Thanks for the advice Clare. I have considered doing my own research, but since my major problem is a dvt--deep vein thrombosis- in my right thigh, I am being very careful. If the clot moved and went to my lungs, I could be dead in a minute. I think that I am going to try to save some funds and go to a naturapathic physician this summer.
Connie
cozycottage |
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Erin Raincrow
True Blue Farmgirl
65 Posts
Julie Erin
New Mexico
65 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 09:40:03 AM
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Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler is a good book for "natural" birth control. It is NOT the rhythm method and uses your body's natural signs to help you know when you can/can't get pregnant.
Connio,
Have you talked to the Naturapath to see if he will work with you about payment? Ours has what he calls The Family Plan and I pay so much a month, 68.41 to be exact, and that covers any/all visits during the month wether we go once that month or if we go 3 times a week for the month.
He is also willing to allow us to make payments, if we have something done that isn't covered by the plan, I leave his secretary post dated checks and she calls me to be sure they're ready to go in the bank. And in a pinch he has allowed me to barter with him if I had something he wanted. He's taken veggies, eggs, meat, basic office help (I cleaned the office and filed for him) and sewing services in trade.
His take on it is that he is here to help people and he wants to help them but he can't if they don't come and talk to him. Might be worth a try.....:) Meanwhile, hope you feel better and can get this under control :)
But once in while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered,
Once in a while the moon turns blue.
Auden |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 11:47:32 AM
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Julie, I want your naturopath!!!!!!! What an old fashioned and very practical way to become part of a community. It is refreshing to hear about. Thank you for letting us know that some health professionals are more enlightened about the practicalities of life.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 2:05:54 PM
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Can someone tell me what a naturepath does? What kind of training do they have? I am very interested in exploring this option for myself and my family. Thanks.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2005 : 06:31:41 AM
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Well, without getting too personal either, here's my take on this subject. I totally agree that we are messing around too much with our environment and bodies with a lot of what technology and modern medicine has brought. Granted, many diseases are now under control (polio,etc.) but at what cost? Most Americans don't eat properly: fast foods, over processed foods, rushing here & there. With every change for the better there seems to be some problem that comes with the progress. Cell phones are a great convenience (try finding a pay phone when you need one), but what of the talk of brain damage? Even washing machines! When I was little I loved to help my Mom with the wash - and we had no running hot water, though we lived in the city. We used a wringer washer, and when I got old enough to do my own wash, I found it very relaxing. (I suppose I'd feel differently if I had to do wash that way for 8 kids!). As far as hormones, etc. I never took anything like that, and didn't get married until I was in my late 40's. I guess I'd say my religious upbringing took care of the "fertility question" before that! I sailed through menopause, with no hot flashes, maybe my diet helped with that. I try to limit what even the government tells us is bad to eat (processed, salty, "white" foods). And though I finished college, I think women have been oversold on having it all. Women in primitive societies had their "red tent" to go to, and don't tell me we all could use one nowadays!
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2005 : 07:20:02 AM
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Well I am coming to this with maybe a similar opinion but definitely different about another. I have always suffered from severe monthly cycles and developed endometriosis ealy in my 20's. I was told that there was so much scarring that the chances for ever carrying a baby full term were slim to none. It was recommended that I go on "induced menopause" to shrink tissue etc. I didn't due to family history. I fell in my early 30's and sustained some pretty major injuries. By 34 I was pregnant. The medical opinion was that the fall had dislodged some adhesions and made this surprisingly possible. No subsequent pregnancies and today I am 45 with an enlarged uterus ( they are recommending a hysterectomy in the future) and profuse monthly bleeding that can lead to anemia and endometrial cancer if left unchecked.Would the chemical intervention prevented me from this outcome? I will never know.
What I do know is that no woman or girl should have to be pregnant if that is not their express desire and birth control comes in many forms. What is the form most likely to be used by those individuals? I'm sure we all have very varied opinions on this topic and I am not opening the can of worms, just stating as someone else did, that without this option there would be even more children born to desperate circumstance.
Bring me the day that there is no child waiting to be adopted and no need for long term foster care in this country. Then I will know that all children were born because they were wanted and not because of economics, politics, retoric and irresponsibility. Until then...I must support the options available, even if they wouldn't be my own.
with a happy heart |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jun 07 2005 : 4:40:10 PM
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Well put.
Sharon |
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vaherbmom
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Alana
Delaplane
VA
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Jun 17 2005 : 05:28:41 AM
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Addendum: Just yesterday I heard about a news story that in the Potomac River (Virginia) they are catching MALE small-mouth bass with immature eggs in them. They think this may be a result of pharmaceuticals (specifically birth control pills) in the sewage from upstream!
What we take doesn't just affect us. |
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Mollie
True Blue Farmgirl
88 Posts
88 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2005 : 4:13:13 PM
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| I have to say that I didn't give kids a lot of thought (isn't that bizarre?). We were young and had our whole futures ahead of us, both armed with graduate degrees so we didn't do much "family planning". We had 4 kids (2 girls, 2 boys) in quick time as I didn't find a job right away and we decided I would be a "stay at home" Mom quickly as the "babysitter/daycare" situation became intolerable. All I knew was that I was an only child and my husband only had one brother, 4 yrs younger, and we wanted a big family that we hadn't experienced before, but had no clue what was involved. We moved around a lot in the beginning and raising 4 kids without much of a support system was extremely difficult. At that time I only knew I wanted the farm I grew up on to be a distant memory (isn't that sad?). I thought I knew everything, wanted the big city, theatres, shopping, tennis, golf, etc. I saw the farm then as lonely and a lot of hard work that made the women in my family look old before their time. All my first cousins (about 15 of them) also left their farms for the city life, only one really stayed. Now I am looking at the other end of the prism, especially since my 4 kids are all grown and establishing their households, and my husband and I both long for the quiet, peace, and happiness I now remember of the farm. You all are right in that there is a rhythm to the seasons, animals, weather, and gardens that I think brings an inner quietness that the stress of the "citylife" certainly taxes. Mollie |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2005 : 6:45:57 PM
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Hi Ladies!
On the Birth Control issue, I personally think that they are a mixed bag of blessings and curses also.
First of all- look at the possible side effects... Heart Diseases, Blot Clots, Liver Problems, Strokes, infertility.
I was on birth control when I became pregnant the first time. I carried for about 2 months before I spontainiously miscarried. The doctor claims she can't see any obvious physical problem as to why I would miscarry so she believes it was most likely related to being on the pill.
9 months from when I was pregnant the first time, I became pregnant a second time. I also miscarried that pregnancy but less than a month in.
They won't do any tests on my boyfriend or I until I have miscarried three times. But I know the chemicals in my foods and the pill couldn't have been beneficial.
Honestly, I think the best form of birth control (assuming of course that we are not using the trite saying "abstinence") would be condoms. To be honest, in this day and age, STDs are something that every woman needs to be aware of (whether you are "at risk" or not) and since a condom is the only way to prevent most STDs from infecting another party and they prevent pregnancies...well there ya go! :)
The best thing would be to leave it to nature and have children when they come, but for some people either financial or maturity issues keep this from being possible.
Hopefully- Someday- we will see less chemicals in our environment and we will have less to worry about...as for me...I keep the pill out of my system and focus on trying to reduce the toxins I injest in my daily life. ;)
Good Topic Ladies!
Ciao
Alee |
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Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2005 : 01:01:17 AM
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I have always been very disturned about birth control hormones and I am very allergic to latex so a lot of tose options aren't open to me either. We tried natural family planning and thats why we have a 21 month old and a 9 month old. I love my girls but having them that close together was NOT in the plan. I finally begrudgingly went with the IUD with hormones in it because it didn;t pose the risk of blood poisening that the copper ones had, plus it had the lowest dose of hormones you could get in a birth control methos, plus it's supposed to stay localized in the uterine area.... I still get godawful crampos with it and stuff so it's far from a perfect solution but thats what we are doing for now.
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. James Stewart in the movie HARVEY |
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citygoatlady
True Blue Farmgirl
82 Posts
82 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2005 : 05:33:34 AM
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"Your Fertility Signals, Using Them to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy, Naturally" is the book I wrote on the very topic in the first post!!! I was wondering if anyone would talk about this.
Step by step, filled with illustrations, I wrote this to make fertility awareness very easy to understand and put into practice successfully.
Available from Smooth Stone Press, PO Box 19875, St. Louis, MO 63144.
$15 each plus $2 postage for one book.
If you'd like extras for your friends, since they are sure to borrow yours, I will send additional bargain ones with slightly scuffed covers for half price, $7.50 each (includes postage).
The ISBN is 0-9619401-0-7.
Bloom where you are planted. |
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Fulminous
Farmgirl in Training
40 Posts
Deb
Maine
40 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2005 : 07:18:51 AM
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Well, I'll come right out and say that I am very pleased with my birth control. Not trying to offend anyone but for the first few years sience I first started bleading, I don't have to dread it.
I don't think I've ever gone through the whole process with a doctor to get tested for endomytriosis (I don't have health insurance, what little it will do for you does help when you don't have it at all). I do however, get my annual checkup. Anyway, I have very irregular and very heavy periods. I am active and eat healthy.
With my previous job working in the woods all the time, it became very difficult to take all the care (really it was just about finding to room) that went into packing for a trip, would I start in the middle of the trip? how much should I pack? bucket loads was always the answer. Sometimes the cramps were so intense that I would need to stay back a day while my group moved on...making me need to do double duty in one day or catch up at night. Don't get me wrong, I have a very high threshold for pain, my cramps were the only thing stopping my dead in my tracks.
So anyway, my bc is the only thing that I've found to help. I've tried a lot of different methods and been very patient, but these last few years have been much better using "the pill" to regulate my periods and the cramping nearly gone in comparison to how it used to feel.
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Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2005 : 1:49:58 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Whimsy_girl
I have always been very disturned about birth control hormones and I am very allergic to latex so a lot of tose options aren't open to me either. We tried natural family planning and thats why we have a 21 month old and a 9 month old. I love my girls but having them that close together was NOT in the plan. I finally begrudgingly went with the IUD with hormones in it because it didn;t pose the risk of blood poisening that the copper ones had, plus it had the lowest dose of hormones you could get in a birth control methos, plus it's supposed to stay localized in the uterine area.... I still get godawful crampos with it and stuff so it's far from a perfect solution but thats what we are doing for now.
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. James Stewart in the movie HARVEY
Haha.. look at all the typos in that last post.. I guess thats what I get for posting at 1 AM!
Anyway, I am in theory very interested in natural family planning again, but the last time we tried that I was assured over and over again that everything was fine with my little chart, and that all my body signs said I wouldn't be able to get pregnant at that time, and sure enough I did! The second pregnancy was pretty rough on me. I was sick through most of it, and it was hard to be a good mommy to my first baby. I'm actually pretty fearful about risking a third right now when I have 2 little bitty ones who need my attention so much.
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. James Stewart in the movie HARVEY |
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citygoatlady
True Blue Farmgirl
82 Posts
82 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2005 : 2:53:31 PM
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Whimsy G., I think you are wise you've figured out a method that works best for you. Natural isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Bloom where you are planted. |
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Fulminous
Farmgirl in Training
40 Posts
Deb
Maine
40 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2005 : 5:12:05 PM
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| I also meant to mention that even without the health insurance, birth control is a financial burden costing up to two dollars a day!!! BUT it IS much less than a child, and I really can't put a life on this earth if I see the birth control as putting a dent in my wallet. |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2005 : 09:19:11 AM
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I'm against any kind of synthetic birth control for myself but like Bramble said I cannot speak for other people and they're individual situations. I 've always had thoughts that all this birth control could be the reasons for all this infertality. Besides the fact that most of the US population is over fed and under nurished, that can't help the reproductive organs much either. Old fashion education is what the world needs. Up until recently Mother's weren't teaching their daughters to breast feed, women were being put to sleep while in labor and being told to trust the doctor,he'll deliver your baby for you. Don't trust your body, trust your doctor or this pill will fix everyhting with only a few (3 pages) side effects. It is an interesting world we live in right now. There is a large group of us who don't participate in all this but there are so many people out there who just blindly trust, it amazes me. Oh I could just keep going, I should stop now. Awesome topic though, glad we're talking about it.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com/artisan
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2005 : 8:31:04 PM
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I've never been able to take bc because it makes me really nauseous and if I'm gonna feel that way then I may as well be preggers! Regardless of how you feel about children ---- I presonally beleive they are a gift from the L-d --- the fact is that all these synthetic hormones cause serious problems, as do early hysterectomy's, tubal's and the newer forms that make it so you don't even cycle! Without trying to stir up to much controversy there is actually a verse in the Bible that talks about childbirth saving women, I've often wondered if this doesn't refer in some way to the fact that women who have children and breastfeed before they are 35, and don't use birth-control(synthetic) usually have less female health issues!
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As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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ladybugsmom6
True Blue Farmgirl
128 Posts
Tami
Horicon
WI
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - Jul 26 2005 : 8:08:40 PM
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I have to say two things, first, that I agree that if we are going to live an organic lifestyle, We are taking responsibility for what we eat grow and how we live. If we are truely taking that responsibility seriously, we dont "need" "birth-control". I think the world would have less need for "birth-control" if we had more self-control!
second, I absolutely believe that it is not just the pills we are asked to take for a quick fix for every little symptombut it is also the foods we eat that our bodies just cant digest that continue to make us sick. Most food available to us at the local grocery store have been so processed that they are no longer nutrition for our bodies, but poisons that cause our bodies to be weak and ill, unable to heal thenselves from the top down and from the inside out, as God created them.
Now I will get off my passionate soap box and relish in the thought that our bodies were perfetly designed with awesome rythums that, if we were only to listen to, would lead us to peace with in ourselves!
-Tami
livin' right and loven' life! |
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Family Matters: Something I've never heard anyone talk about |
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Something I've never heard anyone talk about
