Natural Family Planning
No longer “guess work,” Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an effective, scientifically based method of family planning that treats fertility as a normal, healthy process. The most common approach is the Sympto-Thermal Method which is based on changes in a woman’s cervical mucus, waking or resting temperature, and cervix. These observable signs change in response to the hormones of the menstrual cycle. It only takes seconds a day for a woman to track her fertility; then the couple interprets the chart and makes a decision based on their family planning intention. NFP works through periodic abstinence during the method-defined fertile time for couples who are avoiding a pregnancy. NFP can be used effectively throughout a woman’s entire reproductive life. Regular cycles are NOT required. NFP is NOT Calendar Rhythm.
Does it work? It can be highly effective for couples who are avoiding or achieving a pregnancy. Couples who are taught well, understand the method, are clear about their family planning intention, and carefully follow all the rules for avoiding a pregnancy all the time will experience a 98 to 99.9 percent effectiveness rate. Couples who occasionally do not follow all the rules for avoiding a pregnancy will most likely experience a pregnancy rate similar to the many artificial methods of family planning.
How do I learn? Effective use of NFP involves learning from a certified NFP Provider. The Diocese of Lafayette recommends two organizations: the Couple to Couple League and the North West Family Services, which provide several ways for women and couples to learn NFP.
Who can use NFP?
Couples who want to share responsibility for family planning
Couples who are trying to avoid a pregnancy
Couples who are trying to achieve a pregnancy
Women who want to understand their menstrual cycle
Women during all phases of their reproductive life: typical, long, or short cycles, after childbirth and discontinuation of hormonal contraception, while breastfeeding, and during premenopause
Benefits
Low cost
No harmful side effects
Highly effective for avoiding or achieving a pregnancy
Marriage enrichment and mutual understanding
Morally acceptable by all religious faiths
Self understanding
Appreciation of fertility and children
Fosters respect for and acceptance of the total person.
Links
The Couple to Couple League http://ccli.org/
North West Family Services http://www.nwfs.org/index.asp
