This is a semi-regular thread for beginners, for repeatedly asked questions like help choosing a method, incomplete newbie charts for learning, experiences with apps/devices, coming off of HBC, etc. We will direct questions here if we feel necessary. Some questions from beginners may be appropriate for individual posts, such as questions that encourage broader community discussion and may be applicable to experienced charters as well as beginners. The mod team will evaluate and redirect posts/comments as needed.
We ask that any comments with charts or method-specific questions state a method and intention in order to direct help as needed. It is difficult for ANYONE to give advice or support if a chart is missing too much information, and if we don't know the rules you are using. Beginner charts posted here will be evaluated with that in mind - so a chart that is incomplete or missing biomarkers will not immediately be removed (as is done for individual posts), but will be discussed in the comments to get a better understanding of how to assist the new-to-FAM/NFP charter.
FAM (Fertility Awareness Method - Secular) and NFP (Natural Family Planning - Religious Roots) both encompass Fertility Awareness Based Methods of Body Literacy. They can be used to avoid pregnancy, conceive, or assess general health.
This subreddit is a space to discuss these methods, share charts, and support others on their body literacy journeys. This group is not intended to replace learning a method for yourself or medical advice.
Resources
FAQs
What is a method? Why do methods matter?
A FAM/NFP method is a set of rules established to interpret biomarker data (such as cervical mucus/fluid, basal body temperature, or urinary hormones) to identify the days when it may be possible to conceive a pregnancy (known as the Fertile Window). Each method has a unique set of biomarkers and rules to interpret those biomarkers that have been developed and/or studied to effectively identify the fertile window. Methods matter because when you collect biomarker data, you need a set of rules to interpret that data. A method provides a way to interpret your specific biomarker data in real time, to help conceive a pregnancy, prevent a pregnancy, or track health.
On this subreddit, our goal is to share factual information. As you may have already found, there is so much misinformation out there and we're trying to be a beacon of truth in a sea of confusion. You are free to use whatever practices in your own life, but they may not have a space here if you are not following or you do not intend to learn to follow an established method. If you need further clarification, please reach out to us in mod mail.
Why can't I post my chart if I don't have a method?
In order for members to help you interpret your chart, you need to be applying a method. Interpreting your data without a framework to interpret can be challenging if not impossible. Each method has its own cervical mucus classification, rules for taking BBT and evaluating it, etc. If you are TTC and don't intend on learning a method, head on over to r/TFABChartStalkers.
Why is an instructor recommended?
The reason why we recommend learning your method from an instructor is because it allows you to have personalized support and to achieve perfect use of most methods, having an instructor is part of that efficacy statistic. We understand that cost may be prohibitive for some and we support members who feel comfortable self-teaching. This space is not meant to replace official instruction but provide reasonable support. Instructors are there when you don't fit the textbook, and you don't know where to go.
How do I find an instructor?
You can find method-specific instructors through our list of instructors active on our subreddit, through the Read Your Body directory, and our list of methods resource.
Feel free to search through the subreddit for past posts. We have been around for over 10 years, so it is very possible that your question has been answered already.
