Episode 90
5 effective non-hormonal
birth control options
(even if you have irregular cycles,
are postpartum or perimenopausal)
hosted by clinical herbalist & integrative health educator Kay'aleya Hunnybee
5 effective non-hormonal birth control options
(even if you have irregular cycles,
are postpartum or perimenopausal)
Download on Apple | Download on Spotify | Download on Google Podcasts
Okay, so why does it seem like hormonal birth control has become front and center as "the most effective" contraception?
Somehow it seems like in the last few decades, non-hormonal birth control has fallen out of favor.
Maybe because it's too simple?
Maybe because there isn't enough money in it?
It can feel scary to transition off of hormonal birth control if you've been on it for a while, but let me tell you that the benefits of cycling naturally are extensive.
Whether it's receiving the gifts of progesterone in your luteal phase or having your natural menstrual cycle as a guide to help you listen more effectively to your body, there are may reasons to choose non-hormonal contraception.
And I don't think we hear enough about all of our options.
So today I dive into some of these, including benefits, risks, side effects of non-hormonal birth control methods.
And I also share about my absolute favorite, which I consider to be true natural contraception - the fertility awareness method + herbs when needed.
This is all really just an overview to give you a sense of what's possible so you can craft a personalized path to effective non-hormonal contraception that works best for you (and your partner/s).
It's pretty information-heavy, but hopefully will be a great resource for you to build your foundation from as you explore your personalized path to empowered birth control.
One informed choice at a time.
Listen in to learn:
- some basics on non-hormonal birth control
- why most non-hormonal birth control requires commitment (but is worth it)
- about a few options of barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge) + how to use them effectively
- some basics on copper IUD's (why you might love em or hate em)
- how withdrawal is actually a viable option in some cases
- an overview of fertility awareness and cycle tracking methods
- why fertility awareness is even better when combined with an additional non-hormonal method
- some herbal categories that may also be helpful to incorporate to prevent pregnancy
- what I consider to be the ultimate "natural contraception"
Resources:
- Sign up for the Natural Contraception program waitlist here!
- Episode 5: Are you ovulating? How to tell (and why it matters)
- Episode 38: Your cycle is a vital sign
- Episode 66: What is your irregular cycle telling you?
- Episode 84: Herbal support 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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