NFP - Natural Family Planning
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Video source: Natural Womanhood, a women's health literacy program.
Learn more at naturalwomanhood.org
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What is Natural Family Planning?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) or Fertility Awareness are the general titles for the scientific, natural and moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or avoid pregnancies. NFP methods are based on the observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy.
Since the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they take advantage of God’s design for married love!
Benefits of NFP
100% Natural with No Side Effects
97-99% Effective in Avoiding Pregnancy
Enhances Communication and Intimacy with Partner
Inexpensive
Can Help Diagnose Reproductive Health Issues:
Infertility, Menstrual Cramps, Endometriosis, Etc.
Can be used during post-partum, breastfeeding, and premenopause
FERTILITY AWARENESS METHODS
The Office of Marriage and Family Life is pleased to provide excellent resources for a number of methods of Natural Family Planning. If you would like to learn one of these methods or have any questions regarding Natural Family Planning (NFP) please see below, or call the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 504-861-6243.
OVULATION METHOD
These methods teach users to daily observe and chart changes in the color and consistency of cervical mucus, in order to better understand one's fertility. A woman learns how to identify the normal, healthy, cervical mucus which indicates the days that sexual intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy.
Creighton Model FertilityCare System (CrMS)
Relies upon the standardized observation and charting of biological markers that are the keys to information regarding a woman’s health and fertility. These “biomarkers” tell the couple when they are naturally fertile and infertile, allowing the couple to use the system either to achieve or to avoid pregnancy. These biomarkers also reveal any health abnormalities that may be present. Classes are one-on-one with a practitioner and consist of an introductory presentation followed by monthly follow-up meetings until autonomy is achieved. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, see Woman's New Life Clinic.
Family of the Americas
A method that is both simple and affordable, yet still very effective—it uses observation of physical symptoms to chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle. This method is said to be ideal for a woman discontinuing the use of artificial contraception. Classes are one-on-one with an instructor and consist of an introduction and monthly follow-up meetings until autonomy is achieved. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, see Woman's New Life Clinic.
Billings Ovulation Method (Online)
Offers a three-part video series that introduces the science and beauty of the Billings Ovulation Method of NFP. Three months of charting included. Follow-up coaching is available for an additional cost. To learn more and register go to learnnfponline.com
SYMPTO-THERMAL METHOD
Methods that observe several signs of fertility and cross-check two or more of the signs to pinpoint ovulation are commonly called the “Sympto-Thermal Method” or “STM.”
STM typically combines charting of the Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and cervical mucus with other optional indicators, such as changes in the cervix and secondary fertility signs.
SymptoPro Fertility Education (Live In-Person or Virtual Class)
Uses a combination of basal body temperature and observations of physical changes to chart progress through the woman's fertility cycle. This information can be used effectively to either achieve or postpone a pregnancy.
The Marriage and Family Life Office offers classes for couples who want to learn more about the Sympto-Thermal Method and where this is the NFP method that works best for them. Classes are conducted in a group setting and consist of four, three-hour evenings spread over the course of two months. Available on both the Southshore and the Northshore. For questions call the Office of Marriage and Family Life: 504-861-6243 or email [email protected]. Register HereSymptoPro Fertility Education (Online)
Offers online courses with an experienced personal instructor. The courses consist of 3 comprehensive sessions that takes between 4-12 weeks to complete depending on your pace. It inculdes chart reviews and study materials. This course is encourged to be taken as a couple. To register go to symptopro.org
Couple to Couple LeagueThere are two instructor couples in the area for this sympto-thermal method, and they are both on the Southshore. Classes are three, pre-scheduled evening sessions done specifically couple-to-couple (imagine that!). Live and self-paced online courses are also available. Registration is online at ccli.org
SYMPTO-HORMONAL METHOD
The method that observes several signs of fertility and adds the use of ovulation predictor kit (OPK) or fertility monitor is called the “Sympto-Hormonal Method” or “SHM.” Similar to Sympto-Thermal, this approach adds the self-detection of reproductive hormones in the urine with the assistance of an OPK or fertility monitor. To learn more about this method see the Marquette Model
The Fertility Awareness Database (FAbM Base)
FAbM Base is a locally-run, online fertility awareness database whos mission is to help educate others in the area where science and real life intersect.
Through blogs, interviews, testimonies, and events, fostering community and solidarity, FAbM Base seeks to establish the practical, scientific and communal foundation and continuing support necessary for those learning and practicing fertility awareness in all stages of life.
Learn more about this group and their resources at fabmbase.org.
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