NFP/Fertility Awareness Resources

If your schedule does not allow you to attend multiple live NFP classes, or if you and your fiance or spouse live a great distance from each other, an online NFP course may be an option and allow for greater flexibility!  We have put together a few online resources for you to choose from.  Please also reach out to your Diocesan Marriage and Family Office and Parish Leaders for available local NFP classes.

Fertility Awareness Short Course for Clergy and Parish Leaders here.

Natural Womanhood Online Course Resource: 

https://naturalwomanhood.org/learn/get-started/

USCCB NFP Overview and Online Course Resource:

NFP Overview: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/natural-family-planning/what-is-nfp/index.cfm

Online Courses: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/natural-family-planning/find-an-nfp-class.cfm

Recommended Fertility Awareness/NFP Resources from Witness to Love:

https://witnesstolove.org/resources/nfpresources/

About 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.  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 and 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 condoms and other barrier methods of family planning.

Who can use NFP?
Couples who want to share responsibility for family planning
Couples who are avoiding 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.