NO-PILL, NO-RISK BIRTH CONTROL

by Nona Aguilar ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1980

A helpful, if biased, guide to ""natural family planning"" for those who are ready to forego artificial aids and put some real effort into birth control. The recently developed sympto-thermal approach that Aguilar describes--which may also help overcome difficulties with conception--involves recognizing a woman's fertile phases by monitoring temperature, cervical mucus changes, and movement of the cervix. The underlying hormonal cycles are clearly explained and sample monitoring charts are provided; Aguilar, however, is careful to point out that couples just starting to use this method should seek experienced teachers, and she lists possible sources. She also notes, appropriately, that the psychological dimensions of artificial and natural methods of birth control are totally different; but she goes overboard in claiming that ""an astonishing array of beneficent consequences and rewards""--including marital harmony and maturity--accrue to those who ""surrender to a natural love style and life style."" Everyone she interviews is enthusiastic--what about those who tried the method and hated it, or found they couldn't do it? She cites unconfirmed studies on artificial methods (e.g., the Pill ""seems to be"" carcinogenic); and her endorsement of ""spacing your children with the natural birth control provided by breastfeeding"" would be faulted by many (you may end up with them ten months apart). But taken with a grain of skepticism, this is an instructive companion to professional guidance for those with a predisposition, toward the sympto-thermal method.

Pub Date: April 1, 1980

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Rawson, Wade--dist. by Atheneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1980

Categories: NONFICTION