Timing Issues

Oh girl I feel for you! My husband is an airline pilot and has a similar schedule. We tried for 5 years "casually" (when he was home) and had no luck conceiving our second child. With our first it only took one time! I know this is very frustrating. My cycles were totally irregular and it wasn't until we saw a fertility specialist and I got on a regular cycle that we conceived. Even though he may not have been home when I was fertile, I now knew at least when that would be and eventually we met up. Good Luck to you. If you are anxious to conceive I would be very proactive about it.

My sisters husband also travels 5 out of 6 weeks. So she tracted her cycle, and realized she would never get pregnant. So on one of the months, she drove out to where he was. She had twins 8 months later (they came early)! Get creative, have someone watch your kids and go for a short run with him (if possible).

All it takes is one day, as long as the timing is right, so I would start by charting your cycle. "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler is a great book to help understand your cycle and find your fertile days. If you and your husband are consistantly missing out on your fertile days, after charting for a while, you will be able to predict when you will be fertile, and maybe you can plan a few days to get the job done. Good luck!!!

Definitely start learning Natural Family Planning (or Fertility Awareness Method with the "Taking Charge..." book). Understanding your own body and your cycles is really the best way to increase your chances of conceiving. Once you know your fertile days, maybe you can get creative to make sure you're together for those days. Plus you can use these methods to avoid pregnancy, too, which would give you the freedom to stop using hormonal contraceptives if you want. (My husband and I have used NFP for over 12 years, both to avoid and achieve pregnancy, and I can't imagine using anything else.)

Best of luck to you and your hubby!

Hi J.!

My sister and I were just reading your request and I thought I would try and help you. My sisters husband is also a truck driver and has the same type of problem. I have been studying midwifery since I was 15 as well. I think you should get off the BC completely because it can take a year for the hormones from the BC to get out of your system and your regular hormones to get back on track to where they need to be. If you want there is a herb you can take that can speed up that hormone regulating process. Its called Royal Maca and they sell it up at The Vitamin Cottage. Other than that I would just have fun when he IS home and not think too much about it. It will happen eventually :) Give your husband kuddos for being a good husband and father and suppoting his family! We know how hard those who drive truck have to work! We will keep you in our prayers! Good luck!