There are only two scientifically reliable methods of choosing the gender of your child, PGD and sperm sorting. However, those methods do not involve the natural conception of a child. If you are trying to conceive a girl the old-fashioned way, these methods may be able to help you out. There are varying reports of their reliability.

1. Attempt conception from the end of your period until 3 days before your ovulate. This is based on the theory that male sperm only live 12-24 hours and female sperm live can live up to 3-4 days. (Shettles Method)

2. Use the missionary position. (Shettles Method)

3. Attempt conception in the 12 hours after ovulation. (O+12 Method, Whalen Method)

4. Take calcium and magnesium supplements for several months prior to conception.

5. Conceive in the afternoon or during a full moon.

6. Try to conceive your baby on an even numbered day.

7. Eat chocolate.

8. Use the Chinese conception chart to help you plan the conception date.

9. Put a pink ribbon under your pillow and a wooden spoon under your bed.

10. Take cranberry capsules for the week before you ovulate. This lowers the pH level in the reproductive tract, which harms male sperm.

Remember that no matter what anyone else tells you, unless you are planning to use PGD or MicroSort, there is no reliable way to insure that you will be able to select the gender of your child.