The "Fertility Awareness Method" (FAM) is a sympto-thermal birth control option that relies on tracking the body’s fertility signals, including changes in resting temperature, cervical fluid, and the cervix itself, and using that information to either avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

By paying attention to what is happening in our bodies, we learn what's normal for us, what a healthy cycle looks and feels like, what cervical fluid is and what it means and how our cycles and reproductive health represent a fifth vital sign communicating our overall wellness. This is what we *should* have learned in high school health class.

For those who are concerned about the health, emotional, and environmental impacts of hormonal and other forms of birth control, anyone seeking to maximize their chances of pregnancy, or those seeking greater intimacy with their own experience of their bodies, FAM is a fantastic method. Side effects include greater knowledge of your body, increased communication with your partner, and empowered self-care. (And FYI, it is NOT the rhythm method!).

In this class, midwife and herbalist Krystina Friedlander will review the physiology of our monthly cycles, introduce the signs of fertility, methods for tracking those signs, and the rules to apply to avoid pregnancy (or conversely, to become pregnant). Participants will also receive an individualized follow-up session over Skype or similar platform to review their charts and ask questions.