Natural Family Planning
Natural Family planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and postpone pregnancies. These methods, also called Fertility Appreciation or Fertility Awareness methods, are based on the observation of naturally occurring signs of a woman's fertility cycle.
Training in the following NFP metholds are available in the Diocese of Lafayette: Creighton Model, Ovulation Method, Sympto-Thermal Method. With NFP both spouses are taught to understand the nature of fertility and work with it, whether it's to plan a pregnancy, space children, or avoid pregnancy for serious reasons. A couple that uses NFP soon learns that they have a shared responsibility for family planning. The husband is encouraged to speak openly and frankly about their sexual desires and their thoughts concerning family size. Other benefits include:
- marriage enrichment and mutual understanding
- effectiveness for spacing or limiting pregnancy
- no harmful side effects
- useful throughout the reproductive life cycle
- appreciation for the blessings of every child
- greater respect for and acceptance of the total person
- morally acceptable
- low cost
The Creighton Model
The Creighton Model Fertility System is a scientifically sound and effective method of networking family planning with reproductive and gynecologic health maintenance. The method not only teaches fertility, but helps a woman identify, and in some cases treat, various reproductive disorders. It is helpful in treating premenstrual syndrome and is morally and professionally acceptable. Visit www.popepaulvi.com for more information regarding this system or call (765) 420-8210 for a Fertility Care Practitioner in your area.
The Billings Ovulation Method
The Billings Ovulation Method is a technique of natural fertility control that is based on the understanding of regular changes in the woman's cervical mucus. Couples then use this knowledge to reliably identify the times when they are fertile and infertile. The Ovulation Method was developed by two medical doctors and is used in countries throughout the world as an effective and scientifically tested way to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
The Sympto-Thermal Method
The Sympto-Thermal Method is the oldest effective natural method still in use in the United States. It involves the observation of regular changes in a woman's cervical mucus and body temperatures as well as other physical signs. These signs provide a crosscheck by which couples can reliably determine the times of fertility and infertility; they can then use this information to increase or limit the size of their family.
The Diocese of Lafayette offers instruction in the Ovulation and Sympto-Thermal Methods of NFP in English and Spanish.
| Creighton Method | Billings Ovulation Method | Sympto-Thermal Method |
| Instruction: One Introductory group session Eight follow-up sessions with individual couple |
Instruction: One Introductory group session Eight follow-up sessions with individual couple |
Instruction: Four 2-hour group sessions Individual follow-up counseling as needed |
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Cost: Materials & Instruction |
Cost: Materials & Instruction
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Cost: Materials & Instruction
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Creighton Instructors Georganna Morin Jennifer Moseley Denise Seeger Judi Phillips
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Billings Instructors Jennie Hack Elsa Zamora
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Couple-To-Couple Instructors Diane & Joe Conover Ann & Mike Green Susan & Louis Hoefer Susan & Shawn Kerrigan Julie & Marc Weinkauf
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IMPORTANT NOTE: It is recommended that engaged couples take the course at least three to four months before the wedding. Advanced registration is required for classes. For further information about class times, locations, and registrations, please call email Charlene Kuhn or call her at the Pastoral office for Formation (765) 474-6644.