Comments on: Breastfeeding and Natural Contraception: Guest Post

By: mominisrael

mominisrael — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:34:50 +0000

They also have online calendars for calculating fertility. I think that this is something that all women should be aware of, whether or not they use artificial contraception.

By: mominisrael

mominisrael — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:33:15 +0000

Unfortunately Michal has chosen to to reply to questions. The success rate varies by how carefully it is followed. If the rules are followed carefully, it has a very high rate of safety. The couple has to be motivated. Don’t have info on studies.

By: Ariella

Ariella — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:15:21 +0000

I agree with what Abbi pointed out. Some women find just plotting their days on a calendar to track the onos, etc. to be too much. That is why there are now online sites to make it a no-brainer for women who plug in their dates and customs, like 30 and 31 days, the or zarua, etc. So to come up with yet another calendar could become rather onerous. I’m wondering if from a halchic perspective it is considered preferable to not use contraception and skip relations on mikvah night or to use pills and not have to skip. Barrier methods raise other issues, though. In any case, no form is 100% guaranteed. Even women who have had their tubes tied (not usually halachically permitted) have sometimes found themselves pregnant.

By: Lion of Zion

Lion of Zion — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:48:43 +0000

and is 2% based on clinical trials?

By: Lion of Zion

Lion of Zion — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:57:10 +0000

why is a success rate missing for nos. 2 and 3?
i’d want any type of non-medical birth control method to match the best medical methods.

By: Abbi

Abbi — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:36:51 +0000

I’m hardly on R’ Cherlow’s level. .

However, in my limited experience (only 8 years of marriage) it’s hard for me to imagine juggling this, niddah and the demands of small children.

But I guess different things work for different people.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:24:13 +0000

yup, these sorts of methods seem very onerous to me, and if you’re allowed to use regular birth control (and there are kinds which are non hormonal), then I don’t see why not. Then again I guess if you’re already doing some sort of checking with Taharat Mishpaha laws, then maybe it isn’t too onerous.

By: mominisrael

mominisrael — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:16:11 +0000

Katherine, glad you asked instead of Googling. Rabbi Cherlow (and Abbi!) would recommend certain types of conventional birth control instead. Rabbi Cherlow permits it for spacing of children, within certain general guidelines.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:13:05 +0000

so I could google this but I’m lazy. So orthodox couples do not use contraception at all, unless allowed by a Rabbi? Or in practice they do and just don’t say they do? Because in any case, I guess it is either to be separated for longer, or to not be, and risk another kid quickly after the previous one.

By: Abbi

Abbi — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:33:36 +0000

Yes, it’s not an issue if both systems agree. However, I agree with R. Cherlow. Niddah is onerous enough on a couple, even with the best of communication and cooperation. Adding another system that requires that much more discipline doesn’t seem recommended for most frum couples.