Natural methods of family planning (NFP) are educative methods through which a couple may either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. Natural methods are based upon the daily monitoring and interpretation of biological signs that define the phases of fertility and infertility that naturally occur in every woman’s menstrual cycle. NFP is distinct from calendar rhythm, is applicable to all women, and can be used at any stage of a woman’s reproductive life.

NFP Class Registration Form • Consent Form

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NFP is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve or avoid pregnancy. These methods are based on the observation and interpretation of the naturally occurring biological markers of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

There are a number of natural biological markers used in modern methods of NFP to determine the beginning, peak and end of the fertile time. One sign that can be monitored is the mucus released from the cervix. This cervical mucus can be felt and seen externally. A woman learns to identify a changing cervical mucus pattern, which identifies the start, peak and end of the fertile phase of the cycle. A second sign that can be monitored is a woman’s basal body temperature (body temperature at rest). Due to hormonal activity, a woman's resting temperature changes during her menstrual cycle. The temperature pattern identifies the end of the fertile phase of the cycle. A third sign that can be monitored is changes in the consistency and position of the cervix. The changes in the cervix identify the start, peak and end of the fertile phase. Finally, the levels of two key fertility hormones can be simply monitored by the use of The Clearplan Fertility Monitor® to identify the beginning, peak and end of the fertile time. Observing, recording and interpreting one or all of the biological markers of fertility and infertility forms the basis for all methods of NFP.

In the Archdiocese of Boston, instruction is offered in four Natural Family Planning Methods: Sympto-Thermal, Billings, Creighton/Fertility Care, and Monitor Method.

Sympto - Thermal Method

The Sympto-Thermal Method is based on the observation and interpretation of changes in basal body temperature, cervical mucus and the cervix to determine the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. This methodology is based on the work of various scientists including Billings, Doering, Keefe, Prem, Roetzer and Vollman.

Family Life Model - Small group instruction with private follow-up.
Couple to Couple League Model – small group instruction with private follow-up.

Ovulation Method

The Ovulation Method is based on the observation and interpretation of changes in cervical mucus to determine the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. The methodology is based on the work of various scientists including Billings and Hilgers.

Billings Model - Small group instruction with private follow-up.
Creighton/Fertility Care Model - Private instruction with private follow-up.

Monitor Method

The monitor method is based on the observation and interpretation of changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature and includes hormonal monitoring with the Clearplan Fertility Monitor‰ to determine the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. This methodology is based on the work of various scientists including Billings, Doering, Roetzer , Vollman and Fehring.

Marquette Monitor Model -Small group instruction with private follow-up.
Family Life Monitor Model - Small group instruction with private follow-up.

The Church recognizes that there are legitimate reasons for preventing pregnancy, that births may be regulated, but what is necessary is a moral means for doing this and a correct understanding of responsible parenthood.

Responsible parenthood includes knowledge of and respect for fertility and the laws that govern it. Natural Family planning provides the best knowledge we have about the laws that govern our fertility, about the signs of fertility and infertility.

Responsible parenthood involves self-mastery and an understanding, as well as a proper ordering, of one’s drives or passions. Natural Family Planning fosters self-control and helps couples accept more fully the responsibility God gives us with regard to procreation.

Responsible parenthood concerns the consideration of the factors or conditions, which have a bearing on family size. When considering physical, economic, psychological and sociological factors, couples are responsible to God, to themselves, to their families and to society, in that order. Natural Family Planning assists couples in making generous and responsible decisions regarding family size.

Finally, responsible parenthood must be exercised with respect to the moral order. Church teaching does not say that a couple must intend to have a child in each and every marriage act. Should intercourse take place during the fertile time, when conception is possible, the couple must respect this possibility and must not frustrate it through contraceptive means. The life giving potential of the marital act must not be deliberately removed. With the use of Natural Family Planning, unlike contraception, nothing is done before, during or after the marital act to render the act sterile, incomplete or to prevent implantation of a fertilized ovum.

Where You Can Learn About It?

NFP instruction is offered by certified instructors in a variety of formats at many locations in the Archdiocese. All programs provide instruction, individual assistance with chart interpretation, telephone consultations, and long term follow-up. Each program has its own fee schedule, which is inclusive of instruction, materials and follow-up. Alternative payment arrangements are available. Pre-registration is required at all programs.

What You Need To Do

First, decide which method you would like to learn.Second, consult the entire schedule of programs to determine the start date and closest location of instruction for your desired method. Be advised that a course of instruction and follow-up will take several months to complete.
Third, contact the registration phone number for further information.

A Special Note

If you are living with infertility or any reproductive disorder the services of NaPro Technology are available. NaPro Technology is a new reproductive science that cooperates with the procreative mechanisms in producing a treatment that corrects the condition, maintains the human ecology and sustains the procreative potential. It respects the dignity of woman and the integrity of marriage. NaPro Technology was developed at the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction. NaPro Technology is delivered through the services of trained medical doctors and Creighton/ Fertility Care NFP teachers. For more information, please visit the web site for the Pope Paul VI Institute or contact a Creighton/Fertility Care NFP teacher.

Contact the Natural Family Planning Office at 617.746-5803 for further information or assistance.

For More Information

Billings Ovulation Method Association - (651) 699-8139
Couple To Couple League - (301) 627-3346
Diocesan Development Program for NFP - (202) 541-3240
Marquette University School of Nursing - (414)288-3838
National Catholic Bioethics Center - (617) 787-1900
Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction - (402) 390-6600

What Couples Say

Natural methods of family planning (NFP) are educative methods through which a couple may either achieve or avoid a pregnancy. Natural methods are based upon the daily monitoring and interpretation of biological signs that define the phases of fertility and infertility that naturally occur in every woman’s menstrual cycle. NFP is distinct from calendar rhythm, is applicable to all women, and can be used at any stage of a woman’s reproductive life.

For current schedule information please contact the NFP program at 617-746-5803.

NFP Class Registration Form • Consent Form