TTC and religious laws...

[CapitalChick]

First off, I wanted to give you all an update 'cause I've been almost completely absent from B&B for a few weeks.

DH and I got back from our incredible trip yesterday. I'm still on cloud nine just thinking about the whole trip. It was one of the best of my life. And the best part about it is that, while i had such a great time, I'm not sorry to be home at all. I love my home and my life. It's nice to come home and not dread the thought of getting back to real life.

Anyway, the bigger update that I wanted to give is that DH and I have decided to start observing religious 'family planning' rules again, which we committed to observing at our wedding. For those of you who don't know anything about Jewish family planning rules, they are as follows:

For those who observe them, they apply all the time...not just when TTC. The basics are as follows:
-Husband and wife stop having sex as soon as menstruation begins. Menstruation is counted for a minimum of 5 full days. Once menstruation has officially stopped (as determined by an internal examination (with a white cloth), then the woman counts a full 7 days of no bleeding, before immersing herself in a ritual bath. On the night of immersion in the ritual bath, the husband and wife resume having sex.

Now...for the VAST majority of women, this makes them VERY fertile because, if you count, ritual immersion takes place on CD 12, 13 or 14....depending on the length of her cycle, which means she's always SUPER fertile when DH and her resume having sex.

There are many many reasons why couples choose to observe these rules, although primarily because we're supposed to (religiously), and because abstaining from sex for 12-14 days a month helps to keep things....'interesting'...if you know what I mean.

Anyway, we got very lax in our observance of these rules, even though we always agreed to observe them. Instead of counting 7 days before immersing in the bath, we'd usually just count 4 or so. Now, though, we're back to keeping them strictly for the first time this cycle. I'll be immersing in the ritual bath within the next few days (I'd rather keep the exact date kinda private), but according to Fertility Friend, I'll immerse 3 days prior to ovulation...which is perfect!

 

[Vickie]

Good luck! I must say I had no idea about Jewish religious rules but found it a really interesting read. I hope you get your soon!

 

[CapitalChick]

Yeah...we're hoping that this will help us get our BFP...if for no other reason than we won't make the same mistake as last month...where we BDed so much the week before O, that the day before O and the day of O, we kinda had trouble in that department...OOPS..

 

[cupcake]

Im a believer! lol you know my thoughts- dont forget what i said about those words..

 

[Ellianna]

Ohh you make me feel rubbish! lol I'm Jewish but I can't say I've ever followed those rules...! My OH is Christian though so we've kinda agreed to leave our religous views at the door when we're together since there are some things we obviosly don't agree on! lol
xx

 

[Mervs Mum]

Thats really interesting indeed. If you get your BFP I can imagine this being a very affiming experience, if that makes sense. Good Luck!

 

[diva4180]

very cool! good luck to you hun!

 

[Wobbles]

That was interesting to read I'd never heard of it

Best of luck x

 

[genkigemini]

That is really interesting. Good luck! I will be hoping for your BFP soon!

 

[nikkybaby]

Wow! That is interesting! Good luck!!!! I hope it all works out for you! Lots of your way

 

[Samo]

Good luck, hope it works for you

 

[Arcanegirl]

Interesting thing to follow, can i ask whats in the bath thing? is it just water, or something added to the bath?

 

[miel]

Interesting thing to follow, can i ask whats in the bath thing? is it just water, or something added to the bath?

i wanted to ask also but arcanegirl beat me to it!
anyway i am wishing you the best and all your wrote is very interesting and i have to say i found it also kind of romantic if i can say that

 

[CapitalChick]

Haha..LOL...yes, it's just water in the bath. Actually, it specifically must contain water from a natural source (lake, rain, etc.)
And yes, it's a very 'romantic' thing, but it's also very tough, which is why DH and I didn't stick to it as well as we should have. In fact, the main issue for me was that I always found that I was in the mood to BD 3-4 days before I was due to go to the ritual bath, but as soon as the day came, I was no longer in the mood. It was really not working for me at all. I'm hoping that now that we've been married longer and our relationship has evolved, it'll be easier for me. So far, I'm doing great. I'm in the mood to BD, and I don't think it'll go away within the next few days.

 

[miel]

yeah...it sound like your mind is set up for it...may be i will include a romantic ritual in my next cycle
i have to say Capital chick for me all the thread your posted are the best ...you sound like a very interesting person ...i always like to re question myself on different topic and you do that...it's very inspirating

 

[justme00]

I've never heard of that. I learned something new, yaye! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Arcanegirl]

Would scottish water from the tap count

 

[CapitalChick]

Would scottish water from the tap count

LOL...I dunno...For TTC purposes, I think that the number of days you count, rather than the immersion in the bath, is important. Since I'm an observant Jew, though, they both matter for me.

 

[fairycake1]

Thanks for sharing - that was so interesting to read about - I hope it works for you!

 

[Tishimouse]

I love learning new things about different cultures and religions and find them fascinating. The only thing I can think of about this religious ritual is that it could pose a problem if you are one of those who ovulate early. It sounds like you are not (thankfully), but I ovulated on CD9 last month, so it would have caused me concern.

Just a thought, certainly not a criticism in any shape, way or form.

I wish you luck and admire you both for reverting back to your promise. It's refreshing in this day and age to see/hear someone share these personal views.

As for me, I'm a Catholic and have chosen to say two Novenas (9 days of special prayers) to ask for the blessing of a baby. It's a great comfort to feel you are doing everything you can to enhance your chances.

Let's hope we are both blessed.