Natural Family Planning (NFP) - A Healthy Option for a Lifetime of Love

Natural Family Planning, in keeping with the church’s teaching, views fertility as a sacred reality to live rather than a problem to be solved. It is not the rhythm method of old, but rather, a scientifically proven method that takes advantage of the body’s natural rhythms of fertility and infertility and places no positive obstacle to the transmission of life. It allows the couple to take control of their own fertility and reproduction. Thus, it falls under the Catholic church’s official teaching regarding family planning.

Not only an accepted method of birth control, NFP is also highly effective for helping couples achieve pregnancy. Infertility is more common than one might think, and it can cause married couples great pain and grief. NFP may help.

NFP does not involve the use of any medications, drugs or devices, is completely safe and has no harmful side effects. The self-knowledge that couples gain by using it is valuable in helping them to maintain good reproductive health.

Although there are several methods, the archdiocese offers classes in the Sympto-Thermal Method. This method combines observations of waking temperature and cervical fluid with other indicators such as secondary fertility signs and cervical position. It is highly effective and free from medical hazards and side effects, helpful in building a better marriage relationship, and other than the training fee, is virtually cost-free. When couples receive proper instruction, understand the method and are motivated to follow it, NFP is up to 99% successful in avoiding or achieving pregnancy.

Trained couples and/or individuals meet with interested couples for 2-½ hours of training and at least two shorter follow-up sessions that are scheduled with the trainer. Progress check-ins are done by phone or e-mail. For more information or to register, please call the Family Ministries at 502-636-0296.

It is recommended that engaged couples take NFP at least three to four months prior to their wedding date.

2009 Schedule and Registration Form

Resources

From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

• For Your Marriage - the church's teaching on contraception
• Married Love and the Gift of Life – issued by the U.S. Catholic Bishops in November, 2006
• Natural Family Planning: Myths and Realities
• An Introduction to Natural Family Planning

Other:

• Humanae Vitae – Encyclical of Pope Paul VI on the regulation of birth.

Other Independent NFP providers:
Couple to Couple League, www.ccli.org