Natural Family Planning is a program of the Office of Family Life. For more information call 704-370-3230, or email bnadcock@charlottediocese.org.  Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the choice for a healthy marriage because:

• It is very reliable. Studies have demonstrated that the method is very effective in avoiding pregnancy when NFP is properly taught by a qualified teacher and then correctly applied. NFP can be as effective as any drug on the market. NFP IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE CALENDAR RHYTHM, which was not able to account for cycle irregularity. NFP is very effective throughout a women's reproductive life: during regular and irregular cycles, after coming off the Pill, after childbirth, during breast-feeding and nearing menopause.
• It is medically safe. There are no harmful side effects involved in the practice of NFP. The couple is free from drugs, devises or chemicals which alter their normal reproductive systems and can cause unwanted or dangerous side effects.
• It is morally acceptable to all major religions as a responsible means to postpone a pregnancy and regulate family size and spacing. NFP accepts fertility as a normal and healthy process that is a precious gift from God; a gift to be loved, respected, understood and wisely used.
• It is easy to learn. Certified teachers provide instruction and materials and are available for follow-up consultation.
• It is less expensive than artificial contraceptives.
• It promotes intimacy. Ongoing communication and creative means of showing affection are a part of successful NFP practice.
• It protects new life. There is nothing to hinder the development of newly conceived life.
• It is helpful to couples who experience difficulty achieving a pregnancy because it enables them to identify the most fertile time in each cycle.

     The basis for NFP is: the couple's knowledge of their naturally occurring cyclic phases of fertility and infertility. Men are ordinarily fertile at all times. During each cycle a woman normally becomes fertile and then naturally infertile. As this happens, her body provides certain signs or symptoms that indicate her fertility or infertility. Couples learn to observe, record, and interpret these signs with a very high degree of accuracy. They can then use this awareness to either plan or postpone a baby accordingly.

     A shared responsibility by both the man and the woman to understand and use their combined fertility and their total sexuality. NFP teaches loving cooperation of both partners in using all aspects of their sexuality -- physical, spiritual, intellectual, creative, and emotional!

The Ovulation Method (Creighton Model):
     The Ovulation Method relies upon the observation of a sign -- the discharge of cervical mucus -- that is essential to human fertility. Whenever a woman is fertile, she will experience a characteristic discharge of cervical mucus that is obvious to her at the opening of the vagina. As ovulation approaches, this mucus discharge undergoes a progressive change that can be easily observed and interpreted. This means of identifying the time of fertility enables the couple to be aware of approaching ovulation and identify its passing. Research correlates a high degree of precision between the mucus sign and the occurrence of ovulation.

The Billings Ovulation Method (WOOMB):
     The Billings Ovulation Method of natural family planning was developed by Dr. John Billings of Melbourne, Australia. His research on natural family planning started 35 years ago, and in the course of the years developed the Ovulation Method. It is simply based on a woman's recognition of the changes in her own cervical mucus secreted a few days before, and during, the time of ovulation. This ability to determine the period of fertility gives the couple the freedom to achieve or postpone pregnancy.

The Sympto-Thermal Method (Couple to Couple League):
     The Sympto-Thermal Method relies upon the observation of three useful fertility signs: the cervical mucus, the basal body temperature, and the cervix. Couples learn to observe, record, and interpret these signs with a high degree of accuracy. During each cycle, the three signs complement and reinforce each other in forming a positive system of fertility cross checking. The cross checking nature of the Sympto-Thermal Method gives many couples an increased confidence in learning and using the method.

     It is important to note that while research has found NFP to be very effective when taught by a qualified teacher and then correctly applied, couples using NFP must be aware that all acts of sexual intercourse are open to the possibility of achieving pregnancy.

     Invest in a Healthy Marriage. Make plans today to attend an introductory session from one of the providers from the Special Ministries Office, and begin to build a healthier, more intimate marriage. Couples attending the introductory sessions are not obligated to continue instruction. Engaged couples are encouraged to learn natural family planning 3-6 months prior to their wedding date.